Military Wants Senior ISWAP Commanders After Finding Intelligence Devices

Military leaders have announced that some top commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are wanted. This follows the analysis of electronic devices found during recent fights in the Lake Chad area of Borno State.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mohammed Goni, who is the acting spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, said this development came after recent attacks against ISWAP fighters in northern Borno.

Captain Goni said soldiers found several technical devices and other intelligence materials. These included a camcorder that ISWAP members used to record propaganda videos and keep track of their operations.

He said the analysis of these devices led to important information. This information helped security forces locate sites connected to terrorist activities and identify several senior ISWAP commanders in the Mangari, Metele, Dogon Chukun area near the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa local government areas of Borno State.

The military spokesperson named the commanders as Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, who is called the Wali (Governor) of ISWAP. His deputy, Muhammad Jidda, known as “The One-Handed Man,” and Hamad Abu Hanifa, who is the Amirul-Fiya (field commander) of the group, are also wanted.

Mr Goni described Mr Baa Shuwa as the most wanted ISWAP leader now active in the Lake Chad Basin. He also announced plans to offer a cash reward for information that leads to his capture.

“The military will offer a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to his arrest,” he said.

Mr Goni added that any information from the public would be kept confidential. He assured that the identities of informants would be protected according to security procedures.

The military spokesperson asked residents to help ongoing anti-terrorism efforts by sharing reliable 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 warned.