Troops has killed Senior ISWAP Commanders and repelled major attack in Borno state.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that troops of the Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI have killed several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including high-profile commanders, after repelling a major attack on their positions in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military said the encounter took place on October 31, 2026, when ISWAP fighters launched a large-scale assault on troops deployed in the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday and shared on X, the Acting Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, said the troops defeated the attack with support from the operation’s air component.
ALSO: Firm Launches Social Media Platform to Unlock Monetisation Opportunities for African Creators
According to the statement, those killed included Abu Hajara, described as a high-profile member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, identified as the group’s overall Wali.
Two high-ranking Arab fighters and several other terrorists were also reportedly killed during the encounter.
“Combined troops deployed in Kukawa defeated a large-scale ISWAP assault using both ground forces and air support from the operation’s air component,” the statement said.
Following the clash, troops recovered scores of arms, ammunition and communication devices, according to the military.
The Kukawa engagement came barely three days after another military operation in Buni Yadi, where troops reportedly neutralised 55 terrorists.
Those killed in the earlier operation included key commanders identified as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir; Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk; and Commander Gogore.
The Theatre Command said the successful defence of its positions in Kukawa demonstrated the combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower of Operation HADIN KAI troops.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and sustaining operations aimed at defeating terrorist groups and destroying their camps across the North-East.
The latest development comes amid intensified military campaigns against insurgent groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin.
ISWAP remains one of the major security threats in the region, despite years of military offensives targeting its fighters, commanders and operational networks.
