Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI, have killed several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a senior member of the group’s Shura Council, during an encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military said the operation, which took place on October 31, 2026, led to the neutralisation of Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of ISWAP’s Shura Council; Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group’s overall Wali; and two high-ranking Arab fighters.
According to the military, troops deployed in Kukawa successfully repelled a large-scale ISWAP attack on their positions, deploying both ground forces and air assets from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
Following the engagement, troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication devices from the terrorists.
The military described the operation as another demonstration of the combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower of its personnel in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East.
The Kukawa attack came barely three days after a similar encounter in Buni Yadi, where troops reportedly neutralised 55 terrorists, including key 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.
