Military Identifies Top ISWAP Leaders, Declares Terror Commander Wanted After Lake Chad Operations

The Nigerian military says it has identified several senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following a series of successful offensive operations by Operation Hadin Kai in the Lake Chad region of northern Borno State.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the breakthrough followed the recovery of high-value intelligence materials during recent operations against ISWAP fighters in the Lake Chad Basin.

The military said troops recovered several electronic devices, including a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP members to produce propaganda videos and document operational activities. A forensic examination of the recovered equipment reportedly yielded actionable intelligence, helping security forces identify terrorist hideouts and key commanders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Among those identified is Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, described by the military as the Wali (Governor) of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and currently the most wanted terrorist leader operating in the Lake Chad Basin.

Also named are Muhammad Jidda, popularly known as “The One-Handed Man,” who reportedly serves as the group’s deputy leader and Amirul Jaish, as well as Hamad Abu Hanifa, identified as the group’s Amirul-Fiya, alongside other senior operatives.

Operation Hadin Kai announced that it would offer a substantial financial reward to anyone who provides credible and actionable intelligence leading to the arrest of Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa. The military assured prospective informants that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality and that their identities would be protected in line with established security procedures.

The military appealed to residents, particularly those living in communities around the Lake Chad Basin, to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations by reporting suspicious movements and providing useful intelligence to security agencies.

Authorities advised members of the public not to confront or attempt to arrest any of the wanted suspects, warning that doing so could be dangerous. Instead, they urged citizens to relay information through official security reporting channels or the dedicated emergency line 0708 498 8859.

The latest development comes as Nigerian security forces intensify operations against insurgent groups in the North-East, targeting terrorist enclaves, disrupting supply routes and degrading the operational capabilities of ISWAP and other extremist groups operating within the Lake Chad region.

Military authorities expressed confidence that sustained intelligence-led operations and increased public cooperation would further strengthen ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.