Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed four senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members, including two Arab fighters, a commander and several other terrorists during an operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army said the operation was carried out on October 31, 2026, by combined troops of the Joint Task Force deployed to Kukawa after ISWAP terrorists launched a massive attack on their positions.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that the troops deployed ground forces alongside air assets from the Air Component.
The statement read: “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have dealt a significant blow to the leadership and operational capability of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising several terrorists during an engagement in Kukawa, Borno State, on 31 October 2026.”
According to Goni, the four terrorists killed included Abu Hajara, a prominent member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a senior commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group’s overall Wali, alongside two high-ranking Arab fighters.
He added that troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication equipment following the encounter.
“The successful engagement further demonstrates the combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower of Operation Hadin Kai troops in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre,” Goni stated.
The military spokesman said the attack on the troops’ position in Kukawa occurred barely three days after the Buni Yadi operation, during which 55 terrorists were killed, including senior commanders Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri (Munzir), Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.
“The Theatre Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and to continue its operations to ensure total annihilation of the terrorists and destruction of their camps within the region,” he said.
