The Nigerian Army has declared senior ISWAP commanders wanted after intelligence recovered during recent operations in the Lake Chad region helped identify key members of the terrorist group.
The Nigerian Army has declared several senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders wanted following what the military described as an intelligence breakthrough in the Lake Chad region.
The development was announced on Wednesday by Captain Muhammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai.
According to the military, troops recovered technical devices and other intelligence materials during recent offensive operations against ISWAP/ISIS terrorists in Northern Borno.
Recovered Devices Helped Identify ISWAP Leaders
The Army said forensic examination of the recovered materials, including a camcorder allegedly used by the terrorists to record propaganda and document their activities, produced actionable intelligence.
The information reportedly helped security forces identify locations linked to terrorist activities as well as several senior ISWAP leaders operating around the Mangari-Metele-Dogon Chukun axis on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin.
Among those identified are Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, described by the military as the governor of ISIS West Africa Province; his deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda, also known as “The One-Handed Man”; and Hamad Abu Hanifa, identified as the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP.
Military Announces Financial Rewards
Operation Hadin Kai said Abu Musa remains one of the most wanted terrorist leaders operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
The military said a substantial financial reward would be offered for credible and actionable information that directly leads to his arrest.
The Army separately announced a ₦50 million bounty for Ibn Muhammad, identified as commander of the Amniyya unit, while ₦10 million was placed on Muhammad Jidda, commander of the Jaish unit.
The military urged members of the public to provide useful information through established security channels and warned citizens against attempting to confront or apprehend the wanted terrorists themselves.
What We Know
- The Army has identified several senior ISWAP figures following recent operations.
- Intelligence was reportedly obtained from recovered technical devices.
- A ₦50 million bounty was announced for Ibn Muhammad.
- A ₦10 million bounty was announced for Muhammad Jidda.
- The Army said a substantial reward would be offered for information leading to Abu Musa Al-Mangawi’s arrest.
What Remains Unclear
The Army’s statement did not publicly specify a monetary amount for the reward attached to information leading directly to Abu Musa Al-Mangawi’s arrest.
