The Nigerian military has declared three senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leaders and key commanders wanted following counter-terrorism operations in northern Borno State.
The intelligence leading to the identification of the wanted terrorist kingpins was extracted during recent offensive operations conducted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI along the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, the military revealed that troops recovered technical devices, including a camcorder used by ISWAP to film propaganda videos.
Forensic analysis of these devices generated actionable intelligence that exposed the identities and operational bases of the terrorist leaders.
Specifically, the military declared three key terrorist leaders wanted: Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, the Wali (Governor) of ISIS West Africa Province, who stands as the most wanted terrorist leader operating within the Lake Chad Basin; Muhammad Jidda, known as “The One-Handed Man,” who serves as Deputy Wali and Amirul Jaish; and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP.
The army also announced a substantial financial reward for anyone who provides credible information leading directly to the arrest of Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa or other key operatives.
“Operation HADIN KAI wishes to specifically draw the attention of the public to Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, the ISWAP Wali, who remains the most wanted terrorist leader operating within the Lake Chad Basin. The military will offer a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to his arrest,” the statement read.
Citizens were urged to report information via established security channels or by calling 0708 498 8859, while being strongly advised against attempting to confront or apprehend the suspects directly.