Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have killed a high-profile Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abu Hajara, two high-ranking Arab fighters and several other terrorists during a failed attack on military positions in Kukawa, Borno State.
Also killed in the October 31 engagement was Abul Walid, a prominent ISWAP commander and close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group’s overall Wali (leader).
The Acting Media Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. 
Goni said Abu Hajara was a member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, the group’s leadership body, adding that troops of the Joint Task Force deployed in Kukawa repelled the attack using ground forces and air support.
He said, “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 three days after the Buni Yadi attack where, as of date, 55 terrorists were neutralised, including key commanders such as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri (Munzir), Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk and Commander Gogore.”
The military described the Kukawa operation as a significant blow to ISWAP’s leadership and operational capabilities, saying it demonstrated the combat readiness and superior firepower of troops operating in the North-East.
Goni reaffirmed the Theatre Command’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and sustaining operations to eliminate terrorists and destroy their camps across the region.
He said troops would continue to maintain pressure on terrorist groups to improve security in the North-East.
