Troops Kill ISWAP Shura Council Member, Top Commander in Borno Clash

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have killed several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a member of the group’s Shura Council, Abu Hajara, and a senior commander, Abul Walid, during an encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Two other high-ranking Arab fighters were also reportedly killed during the October 31, 2026, operation.

Abul Walid was identified as a close associate of Ba Shuwa, described as the overall Wali of ISWAP.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, troops deployed to Kukawa successfully repelled a major attack on their positions, with ground forces receiving air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

The military said several weapons, ammunition and communication devices were recovered after the engagement.

It described the operation as evidence of the troops’ combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower, adding that sustained pressure was being maintained against terrorist groups across the North-East theatre.

The attack in Kukawa occurred barely three days after another military operation in Buni Yadi, where 55 terrorists were reportedly killed, according to the military.

Those identified among the casualties in the Buni Yadi operation included commanders 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 dismantling terrorist groups and destroying their camps across the region.