The Nigerian Army has declared several senior ISWAP/ISIS terrorist leaders wanted and announced a cash reward for anyone who provides credible information leading to their arrest. The announcement was made by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
According to the Army, the identities of the wanted terrorist leaders were uncovered after troops carried out a successful operation against ISWAP fighters in the Lake Chad region of Borno State. During the operation, soldiers recovered technical devices, intelligence materials, and a camcorder allegedly used by the terrorists to record propaganda videos and other operational activities.
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The military said forensic analysis of the recovered devices helped identify several high-ranking ISWAP commanders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis around the Lake Chad Basin, covering parts of Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State. The intelligence is expected to support ongoing efforts to track and dismantle terrorist networks in the region.
Among those declared wanted are Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, identified as the Wali (Governor) of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Muhammad Jidda, also known as “The One-Handed Man,” who serves as his deputy and Amirul Jaish, and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP. The Army described Abu Musa as the most wanted terrorist leader currently operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
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Operation Hadin Kai said a substantial financial reward will be given to anyone whose reliable and actionable information directly leads to the arrest of the wanted suspects. The military assured the public that all information received will remain strictly confidential and that the identities of informants will be fully protected under established security procedures.
The Army also appealed to Nigerians to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations by reporting any useful information through official security reporting channels or by calling 0708 498 8859. Authorities emphasized that timely and accurate information from the public can play a vital role in helping security agencies locate and arrest the suspects.
However, the Nigerian Army strongly warned citizens not to confront or attempt to arrest any of the wanted terrorist leaders. Instead, members of the public are urged to immediately report suspicious activities to security agencies and allow trained personnel to handle the situation safely while counter-terrorism operations continue across the Northeast.
