The Nigerian Army has declared two senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) wanted, placing a combined bounty of N60 million on them following a recent intelligence breakthrough during military operations in the Lake Chad Basin.
The wanted suspects are the group’s governor, Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, who carries a N50 million reward, and his deputy, Muhammad Jidda, for whom the military is offering N10 million.
Their identities were uncovered after forensic experts examined electronic devices recovered by troops during recent offensives against ISWAP in the Lake Chad region.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni.
According to him, the recovered items included several technical devices, high-value intelligence materials and a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP members to film propaganda videos and document their operations.
“The statement read, “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.”
Goni explained that forensic analysis of the recovered materials generated intelligence that exposed locations linked to terrorist activities and identified several high-ranking ISWAP commanders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis along the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
“Subsequent forensic exploitation of the recovered devices generated actionable intelligence, leading to the identification of locations associated with terrorist activities as well as identities of several senior ISWAP leaders 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.
“The identified terrorist leaders and key operatives include Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa – Wali (Governor of ISIS West Africa Province), his Deputy/Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda (“The One-Handed Man”) and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP, among others,” he said.
He noted that Operation Hadin Kai was specifically drawing public attention to Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, describing him as the most wanted ISWAP leader currently operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
“The military will offer a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to his arrest,” he said.
Goni assured members of the public that anyone who provides useful information would be protected, stressing that all reports would be handled with strict confidentiality in line with established security procedures.
“Operation Hadin Kai urges members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in locating and apprehending these suspected terrorist operatives,” he stated.
He urged citizens with relevant information to contact security agencies through approved reporting channels or via 07084988859.
“Citizens are strongly advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend the suspected terrorists under any circumstances,” he added.