Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have killed four senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province, including two high-ranking Arab fighters, during a military operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, which took place on October 31, 2026, followed an attack by ISWAP fighters on military positions in the area.
The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to him, the troops deployed to Kukawa successfully repelled the attack through coordinated ground operations supported by air assets from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.
Goni identified two of the prominent terrorists killed as Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of the ISWAP Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a senior commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the overall Wali of the terrorist group.
He added that two other high-ranking Arab fighters and several foot soldiers were also neutralised during the engagement.
The military spokesperson said the operation dealt a significant blow to the leadership structure and operational capabilities of the terrorist organisation.
He disclosed that troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication devices following the encounter.
Goni said the successful operation demonstrated the combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower of troops in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating across the North-East.
He also explained that the latest encounter came barely three days after another major military operation in Buni Yadi, where troops reportedly neutralised 55 terrorists.
Among those killed in the Buni Yadi operation were prominent commanders identified as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, popularly known as Munzir, Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.
The military described the successive operations as part of its ongoing efforts to weaken the leadership structure, disrupt operational networks and destroy terrorist camps across the region.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding residents and maintaining sustained military operations against insurgents.
It also assured residents that troops would continue to work towards restoring peace and security in communities affected by insurgency.
The latest operation comes amid renewed military engagements between Nigerian security forces and insurgent groups in the North-East, particularly in Borno and neighbouring Yobe State.
On October 30, 2026, the military also announced that troops had killed 48 insurgents after repelling coordinated attacks on military positions in Borno and Yobe states.
The military operations form part of broader counter-insurgency efforts aimed at preventing terrorist groups from expanding their influence and carrying out further attacks on military formations and civilian communities.
However, security challenges remain in parts of the North-East, where insurgent activities have continued to affect residents, businesses, farming activities and humanitarian operations.
The military has maintained that sustained operations, intelligence gathering and cooperation among security agencies remain essential to addressing the insurgency and protecting vulnerable communities.
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