By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Troops of the Nigerian military’s Joint Task Force, operating under Operation Hadin Kai, have recorded another significant operational success against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising four senior members of the terrorist organisation, including two high-ranking Arab fighters, during a fierce encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation, which took place on October 31, 2026, followed an attempted attack by ISWAP terrorists on military positions in Kukawa. The troops reportedly responded with coordinated ground and air operations, overwhelming the attackers and inflicting heavy casualties on their ranks.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, describing the operation as a major setback for the terrorist group’s leadership and operational structure. According to the military, those neutralised included Abu Hajara, a prominent member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a senior field commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, identified as the overall Wali of the terrorist organisation. Two other high-ranking Arab fighters were also among those killed.

The military explained that the successful engagement was made possible through the effective coordination of ground troops and air assets, which were deployed to repel the terrorists and prevent them from overrunning the military positions.Following the encounter, troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication devices believed to have been used by the terrorists in their operations.Goni said the latest achievement demonstrated the combat readiness, operational efficiency, vigilance and superior firepower of Operation Hadin Kai personnel, stressing that the military would maintain sustained pressure on terrorist elements across the North-East.

The Kukawa operation came barely three days after another major offensive against terrorists in Buni Yadi, where troops reportedly neutralised 55 insurgents, including some of the group’s key commanders.Among those reportedly killed in the Buni Yadi operation were Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, popularly known as Munzir, Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.The successive military operations represent another phase in the ongoing campaign to dismantle the leadership structure, disrupt the operational networks and weaken the fighting capacity of terrorist organisations operating in the North-East.

The Theatre Command reiterated its determination to protect law-abiding citizens, intensify offensive operations and ensure the destruction of terrorist camps and hideouts across the region.It also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of ongoing operations until lasting peace and security are restored to communities affected by insurgency.