Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, have killed four senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including two high-ranking Arab fighters, during a military engagement in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation, which took place on October 31, 2026, followed an attack by ISWAP terrorists on military positions in the area.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the troops deployed both ground forces and air assets to repel the assault.

According to the statement, those killed included Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group’s overall Wali.

Two other high-ranking Arab fighters were also among those killed, alongside several other terrorists.

Goni said the troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication devices following the encounter.

He described the operation as a significant blow to ISWAP’s leadership and operational capacity, adding that the engagement demonstrated the combat readiness and firepower of troops operating in the North-East.

The Kukawa operation came barely three days after another military engagement in Buni Yadi, where the military reported killing 55 terrorists, including key commanders identified as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir; Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk; and Commander Gogore.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and sustaining military operations against terrorist groups in the region.

It also pledged to maintain pressure on insurgents and destroy their camps across the North-East.