The Nigerian military has declared several senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) wanted after forensic analysis of electronic devices recovered during recent operations in the Lake Chad region of Borno State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops recovered technical equipment and intelligence materials during offensive operations against ISWAP fighters in northern Borno.
According to him, the recovered items included a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP members to produce propaganda videos and document operational activities. Analysis of the devices provided intelligence that helped security forces identify locations linked to terrorist operations and key commanders active in the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis along the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas.
Among those declared wanted are Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, identified by the military as ISWAP's Wali (Governor); his deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda, also known as "The One-Handed Man"; and Hamad Abu Hanifa, described as the group's Amirul-Fiya (field commander).
Captain Goni described Baa Shuwa as the most wanted ISWAP leader currently operating in the Lake Chad Basin. He said the military would offer a substantial financial reward for credible information leading to his arrest.
He also assured the public that the identities of informants would be protected and all information handled confidentially.
The military urged residents to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations by reporting credible information through established security channels or by calling 0708 498 8859. It also advised members of the public not to confront or attempt to arrest the suspects.
