By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | Security | Maiduguri, Borno State
MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — The Nigerian military has announced a major intelligence breakthrough in its ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, identifying dozens of senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and placing a combined ₦60 million bounty on two of the group’s most wanted leaders.
The development followed a series of successful operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the Lake Chad region of Borno State, where security forces recovered critical intelligence materials believed to have exposed the identities, operational locations, and command structure of several high-ranking ISWAP members.
Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops seized several digital devices, including a camcorder allegedly used by the terrorists to produce propaganda videos and document their activities.
According to the military, forensic analysis of the recovered equipment generated valuable intelligence that enabled security agencies to identify terrorist camps and senior commanders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Following the intelligence breakthrough, the military released photographs and aliases of at least 38 suspected ISWAP commanders and fighters, urging members of the public to assist with information that could lead to their arrest.
At the centre of the military’s wanted list is Abu Musa Al-Barnawi Baashuwa, described as a “High Value Target – Extremely Dangerous.” The list also includes several other suspected commanders identified by their operational aliases.
Security authorities announced a ₦10 million reward for credible information leading to the arrest of Muhammad Jidda, identified as an ISWAP Commander of the Jaish Unit, while a ₦50 million bounty has been placed on Ibn Muhammad, said to be the commander of the group’s Amniyya Unit, responsible for intelligence and internal security operations.
The military assured potential informants that all information would be treated confidentially and urged residents across Borno and neighbouring states to support ongoing operations by reporting suspicious movements and terrorist activities.
Captain Goni said intelligence obtained from the recovered devices has already helped troops locate terrorist hideouts, map movement routes, and identify key figures coordinating attacks across the Lake Chad Basin.
He added that the latest breakthrough forms part of Operation HADIN KAI’s sustained efforts to dismantle ISWAP’s leadership network, weaken its operational capacity, and restore lasting peace to Nigeria’s North-East.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against terrorist strongholds while encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against terrorism.
