The Nigerian Army has declared two top leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) wanted after intelligence recovered during a recent military offensive in the Lake Chad region led to their identification.
The development follows a major operation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, during which several technical devices and other high-value intelligence materials were recovered from the terrorist group.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, said forensic analysis of the recovered materials, including a camcorder used by ISWAP to produce propaganda videos and document operational activities, provided actionable intelligence on the identities and locations of senior terrorist commanders.
According to him, the intelligence led to the identification of Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, also known as Wali, who serves as the Governor of the Islamic State West Africa Province, and his deputy, Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda, popularly known as “The One-Handed Man.”
Also identified was Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP, alongside other key operatives believed to be 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.
Captain Goni described the breakthrough as another significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the North-East.
He stated that the recovered devices yielded critical intelligence capable of strengthening ongoing military operations against the insurgents.
“Operation Hadin Kai has recorded another significant breakthrough following recent successful offensive operations against ISWAP/ISIS terrorists in the Lake Chad region of Northern Borno State,” he said.
The Army identified Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa as the most wanted terrorist leader currently operating within the Lake Chad Basin and appealed to members of the public to assist security agencies with credible information that could lead to his arrest.
The military also announced financial rewards for useful intelligence, placing a bounty of N50 million on Ibn Muhammad, the commander of ISWAP’s Amniyya unit, and N10 million on Muhammad Jidda, commander of the Jaish unit.
Captain Goni assured Nigerians that all information supplied would be handled with strict confidentiality and that the identities of informants would be fully protected in line with established security procedures.
He urged residents to report any useful information through security reporting channels or by calling 0708 498 8859, while cautioning members of the public against attempting to confront or apprehend any suspected terrorist.
According to the Army, continued cooperation from citizens remains critical to ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the North-East.