Troops of the Nigerian military's Operation HADIN KAI have neutralized several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a high-profile member of the group's Shura Council, Abu Hajara, during a fierce encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation took place on October 31, 2026, when troops deployed in Kukawa repelled a large-scale attack on their positions by ISWAP terrorists. The military deployed both ground and air assets during the encounter, overwhelming the attackers and inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorist group.
The military identified Abul Walid, a prominent ISWAP commander and close associate of the group's overall leader, Ba Shuwa, as among those killed in the engagement, alongside two high-ranking Arab fighters. The engagement also resulted in the recovery of several weapons, ammunition, and communication devices from the terrorists. This significant setback for ISWAP's leadership and operational capacity demonstrates the combat readiness, vigilance, and superior firepower of troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI.
The Kukawa attack came barely three days after another major military engagement in Buni Yadi, where the military said 55 terrorists had been neutralized as of November 1. Among those reportedly killed in the Buni Yadi operation were key terrorist commanders identified as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir; Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk; and Commander Gogore. These operations reflect the military's ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist camps and eliminate the threat posed by insurgents across the North-East.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, said the Theatre Command remained committed to protecting law-abiding residents and sustaining military operations against terrorist groups in the region. The command reaffirmed its determination to continue military operations to ensure the safety and security of the region.
The Nigerian military's Operation HADIN KAI has been actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, aiming to neutralize terrorist groups and restore peace to the region. The recent operations in Kukawa and Buni Yadi demonstrate the military's continued efforts to target and dismantle ISWAP and other terrorist organizations. These operations have resulted in significant casualties among terrorist groups and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
The ISWAP group has been a significant threat to security in the North-East, carrying out attacks on civilians and military personnel. The group's leadership and operational capacity have been targeted by the military in recent operations, with several high-profile commanders and fighters neutralized. The military's efforts to degrade ISWAP's capabilities are ongoing, with a focus on protecting civilians and restoring stability to the region.
The military's commitment to sustaining operations against terrorist groups in the North-East is unwavering, with a focus on protecting law-abiding residents and ensuring the region's security. The recent operations in Kukawa and Buni Yadi reflect the military's proactive approach to counter-terrorism, with a determination to eliminate the threat posed by insurgents across the North-East.
Key points
- Nigerian troops kill ISWAP Shura Council member Abu Hajara and top commander Abul Walid in Borno State.
- The military's Operation HADIN KAI has neutralized 55 terrorists in Buni Yadi as of November 1.
- The operations reflect the military's ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist camps and eliminate the threat posed by insurgents across the North-East.
