Troops of the Nigerian military have killed four senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) figures, including a member of the group’s Shura Council, a senior commander and two high-ranking Arab fighters, during an operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation, conducted on October 31, 2026, followed an attack by ISWAP fighters on military positions in the area, according to the military.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.

The military identified two of the senior figures killed as Abu Hajara, a high-profile member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, and Abul Walid, a prominent commander described as a close associate of Ba Shuwa, the group’s overall Wali.

Two other high-ranking Arab fighters and several additional insurgents were also killed during the engagement.

Goni said troops deployed in Kukawa repelled the assault through coordinated ground operations supported by air assets from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.

He added that troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication devices following the encounter.

The military described the operation as a significant setback for ISWAP’s leadership and operational capabilities, saying it demonstrated the readiness and firepower of troops operating across the North-East.

The Kukawa engagement came barely three days after another military operation in Buni Yadi, where troops reportedly killed 55 insurgents, including several commanders.

Those identified by the military among the casualties were Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir; Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk; and Commander Gogore.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military operations against insurgent groups and protecting residents across the North-East.

It also said troops would continue efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, destroy their camps and improve security in the region.

ISWAP remains one of the major armed groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin, where insurgency has continued to cause deaths, displacement and disruption to livelihoods.