, have neutralised a high-profile member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Shura Council, Abu Hajara){kind=link}
By Ahmed Liman Kingimi, Maiduguri
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised a high-profile member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Shura Council, Abu Hajara, and several other top commanders during a fierce encounter in Kukawa, Borno State.
The operation took place on 31 October 2026 when combined troops deployed in Kukawa defeated a massive attack by ISWAP terrorists on their location.
In a statement on 1 November 2026, the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops utilised both ground and air assets from the air component to repel the attack.
“Troops have dealt a significant blow to the leadership and operational capability of ISWAP, neutralising several terrorists including Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of the group’s Shura Council and Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the overall Wali of ISWAP and 2 high ranking Arab fighters,” the statement said.
Following the engagement, troops recovered scores of arms, ammunition and communication devices.
Captain Goni said the successful engagement further demonstrates the combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower of OPHK troops in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre.
He noted that the attack on troops’ location at Kukawa comes barely three days after the attack on Buni Yadi where 55 terrorists were neutralised as at date, including key commanders such as Ali Mandara, Abba Gajiri (Munzir), Habu Ikkima, Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to continue protecting law-abiding citizens and sustaining operations to ensure total annihilation of terrorists and destruction of their camps within the region.
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