Military authorities have declared some senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) wanted, following forensic analyses of electronic devices recovered during recent combat operations in the Lake Chad region of Borno State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mohammed Goni, the acting spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the North-east, said the breakthrough followed recent offensive operations against ISWAP fighters in northern Borno.
Mr Goni, a captain, said troops recovered several technical devices and other intelligence materials, including a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP members to record propaganda videos and document operational activities.
According to him, forensic analyses of the recovered devices generated actionable intelligence that enabled security forces to identify locations linked to terrorist activities and several senior ISWAP commanders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa local government areas of Borno State.
Top commanders identified, declared wanted
The military spokesperson identified the commanders as Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, described as the Wali (Governor) of ISWAP; his deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda, also known as “The One-Handed Man”; and Hamad Abu Hanifa, identified as the group’s Amirul-Fiya (field commander), among others.
Mr Goni further described Mr Baa Shuwa as the most wanted ISWAP leader currently operating within the Lake Chad Basin and announced plans to offer a financial reward for information leading to his arrest.
“The military will offer a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to his arrest,” he stated.
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“The military will offer a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to his arrest,” he stated.
Mr Goni added that information provided by members of the public would be treated confidentially and that the identities of informants would be protected in line with established security procedures.
The military spokesperson urged residents to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations by providing credible and timely information through security reporting channels or by calling 0708 498 8859.
“Citizens are strongly advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend the suspected terrorists under any circumstances,” he advised.
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