Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have identified senior commanders and key operatives of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following recent offensive operations in northern Borno State, marking another breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin.

The identified terrorist leaders include Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, described as the Wali (Governor) of ISWAP; his deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda, popularly known as “The One-Handed Man”; and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of the group.

Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

According to Goni, the breakthrough followed the recovery of several technical devices and intelligence materials during recent military operations, including a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP fighters to record propaganda videos and document their activities.

He said forensic analysis of the recovered devices yielded actionable intelligence that led to the identification of locations linked to terrorist operations and the identities of senior ISWAP leaders 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.

“The identified terrorist leaders and key operatives include Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa – Wali (Governor of ISIS West Africa Province), his Deputy/Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda (‘The One-Handed Man’) and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP, among others,” Goni stated.

The military spokesperson described Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa as one of the most wanted ISWAP leaders operating in the Lake Chad Basin and appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating and apprehending him.

He disclosed that Operation HADIN KAI would offer a substantial financial reward to anyone whose credible and actionable intelligence leads directly to the arrest of the wanted terrorist.

“All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and the identity of informants will be fully protected in accordance with established security procedures,” Goni assured.

He urged residents to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations by reporting useful information through established security channels or by contacting 0708 498 8859.

However, he cautioned members of the public against attempting to confront or arrest the suspected terrorists themselves, warning that such actions could put their lives at risk.