Troops of the Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI have reportedly killed several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a high-profile member of the group’s Shura Council, during an encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military identified the senior figures killed as Abu Hajara, a 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 reportedly killed.
The Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday night, November 1, 2026.
Goni said the incident occurred on October 31 when ISWAP fighters launched a massive attack on troops’ positions in Kukawa.
He said the troops, supported by air assets, successfully repelled the assault and inflicted casualties on the attackers.
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Following the engagement, troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication devices from the terrorists.
The military described the operation as another setback to ISWAP’s leadership and operational capacity, saying it demonstrated the combat readiness and firepower of troops deployed across the North-East.
The statement noted that the attack in Kukawa came barely three days after the assault on the North East Theatre Training School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
According to the military, the death toll from the Buni Yadi engagement had risen to 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 aimed at dismantling terrorist camps and eliminating insurgent threats across the region.
