Nigeria’s military has launched a renewed offensive against the leadership of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) after uncovering fresh intelligence that exposed the identities and operational locations of some of the group’s most senior commanders.
The development followed the recovery and analysis of sensitive materials during recent counter-insurgency operations conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East.
Military authorities said the intelligence haul led investigators to several prominent figures believed to be directing terrorist activities across parts of the Lake Chad Basin, including Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, who is regarded as ISWAP’s highest-ranking leader in the region.
Others identified by the military include Muhammad Jidda, a senior commander known among insurgents as “The One-Handed Man,” and Hamad Abu Hanifa, another influential figure within the extremist group’s hierarchy.
Announcing the breakthrough, Operation Hadin Kai spokesperson, Captain Mohammed Goni, said security agencies were intensifying efforts to locate and capture the identified commanders, whom he described as key actors in the ongoing insurgency.
According to him, the military is now relying on increased public cooperation to close in on the suspects and has pledged financial incentives for individuals whose information results in successful arrests.
He emphasized that anyone willing to assist security agencies would be guaranteed anonymity, noting that the protection of informants remains a priority throughout the operation.
The latest intelligence was reportedly obtained after troops recovered a number of electronic devices and other materials from terrorist hideouts during recent raids.
One of the items, a video camera allegedly used by insurgents to film propaganda content and operational activities, proved particularly significant.
Security analysts subsequently examined the device and extracted information that enabled the military to map out terrorist movements and identify locations linked to ISWAP operations.
The investigation pointed to the Mangari, Metele and Dogon Chukun axis, a strategic stretch along the Lake Chad Basin covering parts of Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State, as an area where several senior insurgent leaders are believed to be operating.
Military officials believe the findings could provide a major advantage in ongoing efforts to dismantle the command structure of the terrorist organisation and disrupt future attacks.
Operation Hadin Kai also appealed to residents in affected communities to remain vigilant and share information that could assist ongoing operations.
While encouraging cooperation from the public, the military cautioned citizens against taking matters into their own hands.
Authorities stressed that suspected terrorists should not be approached or confronted by civilians, warning that such actions could endanger lives and undermine security operations.
The military urged anyone with useful information to relay it through official security channels as troops continue their pursuit of the identified commanders across the North-East theatre of operations.
The latest move signals a shift toward intelligence-driven operations as security forces seek to weaken the leadership network sustaining insurgent activities in the region.
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