Operation Hadin Kai identifies senior ISWAP commanders from recovered intelligence materials and offers rewards for credible information
The Nigerian Army, through Operation Hadin Kai, has declared the Governor of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, wanted after intelligence recovered during recent military operations in the Lake Chad region led to the identification of senior leaders of the terrorist group.
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The announcement, made on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Captain Muhammed Goni, also named ISWAP’s deputy, Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda, among the key operatives identified through forensic analysis of technical devices seized during the offensive.
According to Goni, troops recovered several electronic devices and other high-value intelligence materials, including a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP members to record propaganda videos and document operational activities.
He said forensic exploitation of the devices generated actionable intelligence, enabling the military to identify locations linked to terrorist operations and several senior commanders operating within the Mangari, Metele and Dogon Chukun axis along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
“Operation Hadin Kai has recorded another significant breakthrough following recent successful offensive operations against ISWAP/ISIS terrorists in the Lake Chad region of Northern Borno State,” the statement said.
Among those identified were Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, described by the military as the governor of ISWAP, his deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda, also known as “The One-Handed Man”, and Hamad Abu Hanifa, identified as the group’s Amirul-Fiya.
Goni said the military was drawing particular attention to Abu Musa, describing him as the most wanted ISWAP leader currently operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
He added that a substantial financial reward would be offered to anyone whose credible and actionable information directly leads to Abu Musa’s arrest, assuring potential informants that all information received would be handled confidentially and their identities protected in accordance with established security procedures.
The spokesman urged members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations by providing timely and credible information through established security reporting channels.
He also cautioned residents against attempting to confront or apprehend any suspected terrorist.
“Citizens are strongly advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend the suspected terrorists under any circumstances,” Goni said.
The military further disclosed that a ₦50 million bounty remains on Ibn Muhammad, identified as the commander of the Amniyya unit, while a ₦10 million reward has been placed on Muhammad Jidda, who is also said to command the Jaish unit.
The development follows sustained military offensives across Nigeria’s North East, where Operation Hadin Kai has intensified ground and air operations against ISWAP and other extremist groups.
In recent months, security forces have increasingly relied on intelligence recovered from captured equipment and digital devices to identify terrorist leaders, disrupt command structures and target insurgent strongholds around the Lake Chad Basin.
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The latest breakthrough underscores the military’s continued emphasis on intelligence-led operations as part of broader efforts to weaken insurgent networks and improve security across the region.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
