By Stephen Simon
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated four senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province, including two Arab fighters, during a military operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army said the operation, conducted on October 31, followed a major attack by ISWAP fighters on military positions in the area.
The acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
He identified the neutralised terrorists as Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of the group’s Shura Council, Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of ISWAP’s overall leader, Ba Shuwa, and two other senior Arab fighters.
According to the statement, the operation involved coordinated ground and air components of the military, resulting in the recovery of several weapons, ammunition and communication devices.
Goni described the operation as a significant blow to the leadership and operational capacity of the terrorist group.
He added that the latest offensive came barely three days after another military engagement in Buni Yadi, where 55 terrorists were reportedly killed, including several commanders.
The military said it would sustain its operations across the North-East to dismantle terrorist networks, destroy their camps and restore security in affected communities.
