- Nigerian Army declares top ISWAP commander Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa and deputy Muhammad Jidda wanted.
- Intelligence leading to their identification was recovered from devices seized during military operations in Borno.
- Military promises financial rewards for credible information leading to their arrest and urges the public not to confront the suspects.
The Nigerian Army has declared two senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) wanted following a major intelligence breakthrough during recent counter-terrorism operations in Borno State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Army identified the terrorists after recovering and analysing electronic devices and intelligence materials seized during offensive operations conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Lake Chad region.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, said forensic analysis of the recovered materials led to the identification of Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, also known as the Wali or governor of ISWAP, and his deputy, Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda, popularly referred to as “The One-Handed Man.”
According to the military, troops also recovered a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP members to produce propaganda videos and document their operations.
Captain Goni explained that intelligence extracted from the devices revealed locations linked to terrorist activities and exposed the identities of several high-ranking ISWAP commanders operating within the Mangari, Metele and Dogon Chukun axis around the Lake Chad Basin, covering parts of Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Among those identified is Hamad Abu Hanifa, described as the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP, alongside other key operatives believed to be coordinating terrorist activities in the region.
The Army described Abu Musa as the most wanted terrorist leader currently operating within the Lake Chad Basin and announced that a substantial financial reward would be offered to anyone who provides credible information leading to his arrest.
Military authorities assured prospective informants that every tip-off would be handled confidentially and that their identities would be protected under existing security procedures.
Operation Hadin Kai also appealed to Nigerians to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by reporting useful information through established security channels or by calling 0708 498 8859.
The military, however, warned members of the public against attempting to arrest or confront any of the wanted terrorists, stressing that such individuals remain dangerous.
The development comes as security forces continue sustained offensives aimed at dismantling ISWAP and other terrorist networks operating across Nigeria’s North-East.
The Army had previously placed a ₦50 million bounty on ISWAP Amniyya commander Ibn Muhammad and a ₦10 million reward on Muhammad Jidda, who is also said to command the group’s Jaish unit.
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