Morganable News/Security&Justice
Beyond Baa Shuwa and Jidda, the military also identified other key figures within the ISWAP hierarchy, including Hamad Abu Hanifa, described as the group’s Amirul-Fiy
kaNo —
The Nigerian Army has announced a N60 million bounty on two senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province, intensifying efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
The wanted individuals were identified as Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, described as the group’s governor, and his deputy, Muhammad Jidda, also known as “The One-Handed Man.”
Military authorities placed a N50 million reward on Baa Shuwa and N10 million on Jidda, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to their capture.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Captain Muhammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai.
According to the statement, the identities of the wanted leaders were uncovered through forensic analysis of devices recovered during recent military operations in Northern Borno State.
Goni said troops had recorded a “significant breakthrough” following sustained offensives against ISWAP fighters in the Lake Chad region.
He explained that several technical devices and high-value intelligence materials were retrieved during the operations, including a camcorder reportedly used by the insurgents to produce propaganda videos and document their activities.
“Subsequent forensic exploitation of the recovered devices generated actionable intelligence,” Goni stated.
“This led to the identification of locations associated with terrorist activities, as well as the identities of several senior ISWAP leaders operating within the Mangari-Metele-Dogon Chukun axis along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin.”
Intelligence Reports Identify Terrorists Operations Spot
He added that the intelligence pointed to operations spanning Abadam and Kukawa local government areas of Borno State, regions long considered strongholds for insurgent groups due to their proximity to international borders and difficult terrain.
Beyond Baa Shuwa and Jidda, the military also identified other key figures within the ISWAP hierarchy, including Hamad Abu Hanifa, described as the group’s Amirul-Fiya.
The revelation underscores the extent of intelligence gathered during recent offensives and the military’s renewed push to weaken the leadership structure of insurgent groups in the region.
Goni emphasised that the Army was particularly interested in apprehending Baa Shuwa, whom he described as “the most wanted terrorist leader 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.
Army Assures Confidentiality Of Information Received
He assured potential informants that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality and that adequate measures were in place to ensure their protection.
Goni warned that civilians should not attempt to confront or apprehend the suspects under any circumstances, but instead report relevant information through established security channels, including a dedicated phone line provided by the Army.
Security analysts say the announcement reflects a broader strategy by the Nigerian military to combine kinetic operations with intelligence-led tactics.
By leveraging forensic analysis and digital intelligence, the Armed Forces have increasingly been able to track insurgent movements, identify leadership figures, and disrupt communication networks.
The latest development comes amid continued military pressure on insurgent groups across the North-East, which has reportedly led to increased surrenders among fighters and their families.
17 Terrorist Family Members Surrender Amid Military Offensive
In a related development, the Army confirmed that 17 family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, commonly known as Boko Haram, had surrendered to troops in Borno State.
According to Goni, 16 individuals, comprising 10 women and six children, voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 222 Battalion during a patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area on August 4, 2026.
Preliminary debriefings indicated that the sustained military offensive played a key role in their decision to surrender.
The Army also reported that a total of N92,000 was recovered from the group during the process.
“The surrendered individuals are currently undergoing preliminary profiling and debriefing in military custody,” Goni said.
“They will subsequently be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further profiling, detailed debriefing, rehabilitation processes where applicable, and other necessary administrative procedures.”he added.
The surrender of family members, particularly women and children, is often seen as a sign of weakening morale within insurgent ranks.
Analysts note that intensified military operations, combined with disruption of supply lines and communication channels, have made it increasingly difficult for fighters to sustain their activities.
Military Reiterates Commitments To Strengthening Security
He reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining aggressive offensives across the North-East, stating that troops would continue to dominate operational areas and maintain pressure on insurgent strongholds.
“Troops will continue to dominate identified operational areas, maintain pressure on terrorist enclaves, and deny criminal elements the freedom to operate,” he said.
“At the same time, we will facilitate the safe and voluntary surrender of those willing to lay down their arms in line with established procedures.”
The conflict in Nigeria’s North-East, which has persisted for over a decade, has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people.
While the military has recorded several tactical successes in recent years, insurgent groups such as ISWAP and Boko Haram continue to pose significant security challenges.
Observers say the combination of targeted intelligence operations, financial incentives for informants, and sustained military pressure could help accelerate the decline of insurgent networks.
However, they caution that long-term stability will depend on addressing underlying socio-economic factors, strengthening governance, and ensuring effective rehabilitation and reintegration of former fighters and affected communities.
