Nigerian soldiers kill top ISWAP commanders including foreign fighters

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in North-east Nigeria, have killed four high-profile commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including two “high ranking” Arab fighters in an offensive operation in Kukawa, Borno State, an official has said.

In a statement on Sunday, Mohammed Goni, the task force’s spokesperson, said the offensive, launched on 31 October, targeted ISWAP leadership, identifying those killed as Abu Hajara, a member of the group’s Shura Council, and Abu Walid, a close associate of wanted ISWAP Wali (governor), Ba Shuwa. 

Mr Goni, a Nigerian Army captain, said several foot soldiers were also killed in the offensive, which combined air assets and on-the-ground gunfight.

The military spokesperson said the troops recovered many weapons and communication devices.

Mr Goni said the battlefield victory demonstrated the commitment of the task force “in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre.”

This followed a similar victory in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, where troops foiled an ISWAP attack, killing about 55 terrorists, including key commanders such as Ali Gajiri (Munzir), Habu Faruk and Commander Gogore. One soldier was killed, and two others were injured in the Yobe attack, which targeted the North East Theatre Training School (NETTS).