Army Declares 38 ISWAP Leaders Wanted, Offers Reward for Top Commander

The Nigerian Army has declared 38 senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) wanted as part of renewed efforts to dismantle the terrorist group’s leadership structure in the North-East.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI, which disclosed that the identities of the terrorist leaders were uncovered during ongoing military operations in the Lake Chad region of Borno State.

According to the military, troops recovered a camcorder and other intelligence materials during one of the offensives against insurgent positions.

The recovered devices were subjected to forensic examination, leading to the identification of several high-ranking ISWAP commanders and their operational locations within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis spanning Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Among those declared wanted is Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, identified as the Wali, or governor, of ISWAP and regarded as one of the group’s most wanted leaders operating within the Lake Chad Basin.

The list also includes Muhammad Jidda, popularly known as “The One-Handed Man,” who was identified as the deputy leader of the terrorist organisation and its Amirul Jaish.

Another prominent figure named by the military is Hamad Abu Hanifa, described as the Amirul-Fiya of the insurgent group.

Operation HADIN KAI announced that a financial reward would be offered to anyone who provides credible information leading to the arrest of Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa.

Although the amount of the reward was not disclosed, the military assured members of the public that every piece of information received would be handled with strict confidentiality.

It also pledged to protect the identities of individuals who volunteer useful intelligence to security agencies.

The army urged residents of communities across the North-East and other parts of the country to continue supporting ongoing counter-insurgency operations by reporting suspicious movements and activities linked to terrorist groups.

Members of the public were advised to relay credible information through established security channels or contact Operation HADIN KAI directly via the dedicated emergency line, 07084988859.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations aimed at eliminating terrorism and restoring lasting peace across the Lake Chad region and other affected areas.