Nigerian troops have reportedly killed a senior member of the Islamic State West Africa Province’s Shura Council and several high-ranking commanders during an operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, conducted on October 31, 2026, also resulted in the reported deaths of two senior Arab fighters, according to security sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.
The sources identified the Shura Council member as Abu Hajara, while another casualty was named as Abul Walid, a senior ISWAP commander and close associate of the group’s overall Wali, Ba Shuwa.
The report said the engagement occurred after ISWAP fighters launched a major attack on troops deployed in Kukawa.
According to the security sources, troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, repelled the assault with ground firepower and air support from the Nigerian Air Force’s Air Component.
The military operation reportedly inflicted significant casualties on the attackers and disrupted the group’s leadership and operational activities in the area.
Troops also recovered arms, ammunition and communication devices from the scene following the engagement.
The reported killing of Abu Hajara is significant because of his alleged position within ISWAP’s Shura Council, a leadership body involved in the group’s decision-making and operations.
Abul Walid was also described by the sources as a senior commander with close links to Ba Shuwa, although the report did not provide further details about his specific responsibilities within the group.
The latest operation came three days after a reported encounter between troops and ISWAP fighters in Buni Yadi, where 55 terrorists were said to have been neutralised.
Those reportedly killed in the Buni Yadi operation included commanders Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir; Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk; and Commander Gogore.
The two engagements form part of ongoing military operations against insurgent groups operating in Borno and other parts of the North-East.
ISWAP maintains a presence around the Lake Chad Basin and other locations in Borno, where its fighters have repeatedly attacked military formations and communities.
The military has continued to conduct ground and air operations aimed at weakening the group’s command structure, disrupting its movements and destroying its operational bases.
The latest report did not provide the number of ISWAP fighters involved in the Kukawa attack or disclose whether any military personnel were killed or injured during the encounter.
It also did not include an independent confirmation of the identities or positions of the reported casualties.
The Theatre Command reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians and sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups across the region.
It said the operations were aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, destroying their camps and restoring lasting security.
West Trybe reports that the reported deaths of senior ISWAP figures in Kukawa, coming days after the Buni Yadi operation, point to continued military pressure on the group’s leadership and fighters in Borno, although the full operational impact of the engagements remains to be established.
