The Nigerian Army has declared some of the most senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) wanted following a major intelligence breakthrough during recent military operations in the Lake Chad region.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni.
According to the Army, forensic analysis of technical devices recovered during recent offensives against ISWAP in northern Borno State led to the identification of key terrorist commanders and their operational locations.
Among the recovered items were high-value intelligence materials and a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP fighters to record propaganda videos and document their operations.
The Army identified the wanted suspects as Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, also known as the Wali (Governor) of ISWAP, his deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda, popularly referred to as “The One-Handed Man,” and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the group’s Amirul-Fiya, alongside other senior operatives.
According to Captain Goni, the identified commanders are believed to be operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun corridor along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin, covering parts of Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
The military described Abu Musa as the most wanted ISWAP leader currently operating in the Lake Chad Basin and announced that a substantial financial reward would be offered to anyone who provides credible intelligence leading to his arrest.
Operation Hadin Kai assured members of the public that all information received would be handled confidentially and that the identities of informants would be protected in line with established security procedures.
The military urged Nigerians to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations by reporting useful information through security agencies or the dedicated hotline, 0708 498 8859. It also warned citizens not to confront or attempt to arrest the suspects under any circumstances.
The Army further disclosed that a ₦50 million bounty has been placed on Ibn Muhammad, commander of the ISWAP Amniyya unit, while Muhammad Jidda, commander of the Jaish unit, carries a ₦10 million reward for information leading to his capture.
