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Troops have killed Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a prominent commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group’s overall Wali (leader).
Mohammed Goni, acting media information officer of Operation Hadin Kai, said in a statement on Sunday that two other high-ranking Arab fighters were also killed during the engagement in Kukawa LGA of Borno state on October 31.
Goni said the attack came three days after troops killed 55 terrorists, including three key commanders.
“Combined troops of Joint Task Force deployed in Kukawa defeated massive ISWAP terrorists attack on their locations and troops utilised both ground and air assets from the air component,” the statement reads.
“Following the engagement, troops recovered scores of arms, ammunition and communication devices.
“The successful engagement further demonstrates the combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower of Operation HADIN KAI troops in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre.
“The attack on troops location at Kukawa comes barely 3 days after Buni Yadi attack where as at date 55 terrorists were neutralised including key commanders such as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri (Munzir), Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.”
Goni described the killing of the ISWAP fighters as a “significant blow to the leadership and operational capability” of the group.
