Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Army has announced a cash reward for credible information leading to the arrest of Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, the alleged leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as the military intensifies efforts to dismantle the group’s leadership in the Lake Chad Basin, Prime Business Africa reports.
Operation HADIN KAI, the military’s counter-insurgency task force in the North-East, said Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, identified as the Wali (Governor) of ISWAP, is the most wanted terrorist leader operating in the Lake Chad region.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said a substantial financial reward would be offered to anyone whose credible and actionable information leads directly to the suspect’s arrest. It assured that the identities of informants would be kept strictly confidential in accordance with established security procedures.
The announcement follows recent offensive operations by troops in northern Borno State, during which soldiers recovered technical devices and other high-value intelligence materials from ISWAP fighters.
According to the military, forensic exploitation of a camcorder allegedly used by the terrorists to record propaganda videos and operational activities yielded actionable intelligence that led to the identification of several senior ISWAP commanders and locations linked to the group’s operations along the Mangari-Metele-Dogon Chukun axis in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Among those identified are Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa; his deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda, also known as “The One-Handed Man”; and Hamad Abu Hanifa, identified as the group’s Amirul-Fiya, along with other key operatives.
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Operation HADIN KAI urged members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing credible and timely information through established security reporting channels or via its dedicated hotline, 0708 498 8859.
The military, however, cautioned members of the public against confronting or attempting to apprehend the suspects, urging them instead to report any relevant information to security agencies.
The reward offer underscores the military’s growing reliance on intelligence-driven operations to target ISWAP’s senior leadership and degrade the group’s operational capability in the Lake Chad Basin, one of the insurgents’ remaining stronghNorth-East. eria’s North-East.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
