Nigerian Soldiers Kill Four ISWAP Leaders, Including Two Arab Fighters, in Borno

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation Hadin Kai have killed four senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including two Arab fighters, alongside several other terrorists during a military engagement in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation took place on October 31, 2026, following an attack by ISWAP fighters on military positions in the area.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He said the troops deployed both ground forces and air support to confront the terrorists, inflicting casualties on the group’s leadership and fighters.

Among those killed were Abu Hajara, described as 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.

The other two casualties were identified as high-ranking Arab fighters.

Goni added that troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication devices following the engagement.

He described the operation as a demonstration of the troops’ combat readiness and firepower, saying it had dealt a significant blow to ISWAP’s leadership and operational capacity.

The military spokesman noted that the attack in Kukawa occurred barely three days after another major engagement in Buni Yadi, where troops reportedly neutralised 55 terrorists, including several key commanders.

Those identified in the Buni Yadi operation included Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir, Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military operations against terrorist groups in the North-East, with the stated objective of protecting civilians, dismantling terrorist camps and restoring security across the region.

The Daily Reality