Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have dealt a significant blow to the leadership and operational capability of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising several terrorists including Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of the group’s Shura Council and Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the overall Wali of ISWAP, and two high-ranking Arab fighters during an engagement in Kukawa, Borno State, on 31 October 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, on 1 November 2026.
According to the statement, combined troops of the Joint Task Force deployed in Kukawa defeated a massive ISWAP terrorist attack on their location. Troops utilised both ground and air assets from the Air Component.
Following the engagement, troops recovered scores of arms, ammunition and communication devices.
The successful engagement further demonstrates the combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower of Operation HADIN KAI troops in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre. The attack on the troops’ location at Kukawa comes barely three days after the Buni Yadi attack, where as of date, 55 terrorists were neutralised, including key commanders such as Ali Mandara, Abba Gajiri (Munzir), Habu Ikkima, Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.
The Theatre Command has reaffirmed its commitment to continue to protect law-abiding citizens and continue its operations to ensure total annihilation of the terrorists and destruction of their camps within the region.