Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), a Nigerian Army-led formation, have neutralised several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a high-profile member of the group’s Shura Council, during a fierce encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Key Highlights
- Operation HADIN KAI troops repel a large-scale ISWAP attack in Kukawa LGA, Borno State, on October 31.
- Senior Shura Council member Abu Hajara and commander Abul Walid reportedly killed.
- Two high-ranking Arab fighters also neutralised; arms, ammunition and communication devices recovered.
- Ground forces and air assets were deployed in the operation.
- The attack came three days after troops reportedly killed at least 55 terrorists in Buni Yadi.
The operation, which took place on October 31, 2026, reportedly resulted in the killing of Abu Hajara, a senior member of ISWAP’s Shura Council; Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of the group’s overall Wali, Ba Shuwa; and two high-ranking Arab fighters.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops successfully repelled a large-scale ISWAP attack on their positions in Kukawa.
The statement said the troops deployed both ground forces and air assets to overpower the insurgents during the encounter.
Following the operation, the military recovered several arms, ammunition and communication devices from the terrorists.
The military described the successful engagement as a demonstration of the troops’ combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East.
Read also:
- Troops Kill 48 ISWAP Terrorists, Recover Large Cache of Arms In Borno, Yobe
- Troops Kill 6 ISWAP Terrorists, Recover Ammunition In Borno
- Military Neutralises 15 Terrorists In Air Strike In Borno
Buni Yadi Operation
The Kukawa attack occurred barely three days after another major military engagement in Buni Yadi, where at least 55 terrorists were reportedly neutralised.
Among those killed in the Buni Yadi operation were senior ISWAP commanders identified as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir; Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk; and Commander Gogore.
The theatre command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding residents and sustaining military operations aimed at eliminating terrorist elements and destroying their camps across the region.
It also assured residents that troops would continue to intensify operations to restore lasting peace and security in the North-East.
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