By Quazeem Halimot Bukola
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, the military joint task force operating in Nigeria’s North-East, have killed four senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including two high-ranking Arab fighters, during an offensive operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the task force’s spokesperson, Captain Mohammed Goni, who said the operation was launched on October 31 to target the leadership of the terrorist group.
According to Goni, those killed included Abu Hajara, a member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, and Abu Walid, an associate of the group’s wanted leader, Ba Shuwa, who is identified as its Wali, or governor.
He added that several other ISWAP foot soldiers were also killed during the operation, which involved air support and ground engagements between troops and the insurgents.
The spokesperson said troops recovered several weapons and communication devices during the offensive, describing the operation as a significant achievement in the military’s ongoing campaign against terrorist groups in the region.
Goni said the development demonstrated the task force’s commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist elements across the North-East theatre of operations.
The latest operation follows another military success in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, where troops reportedly repelled an ISWAP attack and killed about 55 terrorists, including several senior commanders.
Those reportedly killed in the Yobe operation included Ali Gajiri, also known as Munzir, Habu Faruk and Commander Gogore.
The attack targeted the North East Theatre Training School (NETTS), according to the military account.
However, the encounter resulted in the death of one soldier, while two others sustained injuries.
The military has continued operations across Borno and neighbouring states as part of efforts to weaken ISWAP’s command structure, disrupt its activities and restore security in communities affected by insurgency.
