The Nigerian military has identified several senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leaders and key operatives operating around the Lake Chad Basin in Borno State.
The development followed recent offensive operations conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) against ISWAP/ISIS terrorists in northern Borno.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said troops recovered several technical devices and other intelligence materials during the operations.
The statement reads: “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.
“Subsequent forensic exploitation of the recovered devices generated actionable intelligence, leading to the identification of locations associated with terrorist activities, as well as the 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.
“The identified terrorist leaders and key operatives include Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, Wali (Governor of ISIS West Africa Province); his deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda (‘The One-Handed Man’); and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP, among others.
“Operation HADIN KAI wishes to specifically draw the attention of the public to Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, the ISWAP Wali, who remains the most wanted terrorist leader operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
“The military will offer a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to his arrest. 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.
“Operation HADIN KAI urges members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in locating and apprehending these suspected terrorist operatives.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any relevant information through established security reporting channels or via 0708 498 8859. Citizens are strongly advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend the suspected terrorists under any circumstances.”