𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝗶 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗣 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗜𝗻 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮

By NigerDelta Voice,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

The Nigerian military has uncovered fresh intelligence on the leadership structure of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), following a series of successful counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad region of Borno State.

The breakthrough was recorded by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) during recent offensive operations against ISWAP/ISIS terrorists operating in northern Borno.

According to a statement issued on August 5, 2026, by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), troops recovered several technical devices and other intelligence materials during the operations.

Among the items recovered was a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP fighters to record propaganda materials and document their operational activities.

The military said forensic examination of the recovered devices produced actionable intelligence, including information that helped security operatives identify locations associated with terrorist activities and establish the identities of several senior ISWAP commanders.

The identified terrorists are said to operate around the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis, along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Top ISWAP Leaders Identified

The military identified some of the senior terrorist commanders as:

• Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, identified as the Wali, or governor, of ISIS West Africa Province.
• Muhammad Jidda, also known as “The One-Handed Man,” identified as his deputy and Amirul Jaish, meaning military commander.
• Hamad Abu Hanifa, identified as the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP, among other key operatives.

The military specifically highlighted Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, describing him as the most wanted ISWAP leader operating within the Lake Chad Basin.

According to Operation Hadin Kai, the identification of the commanders represents a major intelligence gain that could strengthen ongoing efforts to disrupt the terrorist group's command structure and operational activities in the region.

Military Announces Reward For Information

The Joint Task Force said a substantial financial reward would be offered to anyone whose credible and actionable information directly leads to the arrest of Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa.

The military assured potential informants that information supplied would be treated confidentially and that the identities of informants would be protected under established security procedures.

Operation Hadin Kai also appealed to residents and other members of the public to provide timely and credible intelligence that could assist security agencies in locating and apprehending the identified terrorist operatives.

However, citizens were warned not to confront or attempt to arrest the suspects themselves, stressing that such operations should be left to trained security personnel.

The military urged anyone with relevant information to use established security reporting channels, including the designated contact number 0708 498 8859.

The development comes as Nigerian security forces intensify operations against terrorist groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin, where ISWAP and other armed groups have maintained networks despite sustained military pressure.

The latest intelligence breakthrough is expected to provide security agencies with additional insight into the organisation's leadership structure, movements and operational network in northern Borno.