The Nigerian Army has declared the Governor of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa – Wali, and his deputy, Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda, wanted following their identification through intelligence obtained from technical devices recovered during recent military operations against the terrorist group in the Lake Chad region.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Captain Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the identities of the terrorists were uncovered after forensic analysis of recovered devices, including high-value intelligence materials and a camcorder.
According to Goni, the latest breakthrough followed successful offensive operations carried out by troops against ISWAP/ISIS fighters in the Lake Chad region of Northern Borno State.
He said the recovered camcorder was allegedly used by ISWAP terrorists to produce propaganda materials and document their operational activities.
“Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has recorded another significant breakthrough following recent successful offensive operations against ISWAP/ISIS terrorists in the Lake Chad region of Northern Borno State,” the statement read.
The military spokesman explained that subsequent forensic exploitation of the recovered devices generated actionable intelligence, leading to the identification of terrorist locations and the identities of several senior ISWAP commanders operating along the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis bordering the Lake Chad Basin.
The identified areas fall within Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Among those identified, according to the Army, are Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa – Wali, described 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, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP.
Goni said Operation Hadin Kai was particularly drawing public attention to Abu Musa Al-Mangawi, whom he described as the most wanted ISWAP leader currently operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
He disclosed that the military would provide substantial financial reward to anyone whose credible and actionable information directly leads to the arrest of the terrorist leader.
The Army assured members of the public that all information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality, while the identities of informants would be protected in line with established security procedures.
Goni urged citizens to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations by providing timely and reliable information that could assist security agencies in locating and apprehending the suspected terrorists
He advised residents to report relevant information through recognised security channels or contact the military via 0708 498 8859.
The military spokesman, however, warned members of the public against attempting to confront or apprehend the suspected terrorists themselves, stressing that such actions could endanger lives.
The declaration was made as the military intensifies its campaign against ISWAP and other terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
A bounty of N50 million has reportedly been placed on Ibn Muhammad, the commander of ISWAP’s Amniyya unit, while another N10 million reward has been announced for information leading to the arrest of Muhammad Jidda, who also serves as commander of the group’s Jaish unit.
