By Juliana Francis
The Nigerian Army has escalated its offensive against terrorism in the Northeast, formally declaring senior ISWAP/ISIS commanders wanted and appealing to local communities for intelligence on their whereabouts and operations.
The move comes amid mounting public criticism of the military’s amnesty programme for surrendered fighters, with many Nigerians accusing the Defence Headquarters of being too lenient toward former terrorists by referring to them as “repentant brothers.”
Critics, including several security analysts, have argued that some of these so-called repentant fighters could be exploiting the amnesty to infiltrate military operations and pass sensitive information back to active terror cells, potentially undermining the broader counter-insurgency campaign.
Against this backdrop, the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of Joint Task Force (Northeast) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, announced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, via a statement on the Army’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, that troops had identified and declared wanted several senior ISWAP/ISIS commanders operating around the Lake Chad Basin.
“Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another significant breakthrough following recent successful offensive operations against ISWAP/ISIS terrorists in the Lake Chad region of Northern Borno State,” Captain Goni said.
He explained that the intelligence breakthrough followed the recovery of key items during recent raids.
“During the operations, troops recovered several technical devices and other high-value intelligence materials, including a camcorder used by ISWAP terrorists to record propaganda videos and document operational activities,” he said.
According to Goni, forensic analysis of the recovered devices proved instrumental in mapping out terrorist networks in the area. “Subsequent forensic exploitation of the recovered devices generated actionable intelligence, leading to the identification of locations associated with terrorist activities as well as identities of several senior ISWAP leaders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State,” he stated.
The identified commanders include Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, described as the Wali (Governor) of ISIS West Africa Province; his deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda, popularly known as “The One-Handed Man”; and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the group’s Amirul-Fiya.
The military singled out Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa as its top priority target. Goni noted that he “remains the most wanted terrorist leader operating within the Lake Chad Basin,” and confirmed that a substantial financial reward would be offered to anyone whose credible information leads to his arrest.
He assured the public that their safety would be a top priority in the process. “All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and the identity of informants will be fully protected in accordance with established security procedures,” Goni said.
Operation HADIN KAI has since called on residents in affected communities to support the counter-terrorism campaign by sharing any relevant information with security agencies. Citizens can report tips through established security channels or by calling 0708 498 8859. The military, however, cautioned members of the public against taking matters into their own hands.
“Citizens are strongly advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend the suspected terrorists under any circumstances,” the statement warned. #Securitynewsalert.com
