The Nigerian Army has declared the governor of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa – Wali, and his deputy, Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda, wanted after their identities were confirmed through forensic analysis of devices recovered during recent operations in the Lake Chad region.
Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday. He said troops recovered several technical devices and high-value intelligence materials, including a camcorder used by the group to record propaganda and document activities, during successful offensives against ISWAP/ISIS elements in northern Borno State.
Forensic exploitation of the materials generated actionable intelligence. It identified locations linked to terrorist activity and the identities of senior leaders operating along the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas. Among those identified are Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa – Wali, his deputy Muhammad Jidda (also known as “The One-Handed Man”), and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP, among others.
Operation Hadin Kai specifically highlighted Abu Musa as the most wanted terrorist leader still active in the Lake Chad Basin. The military said a substantial financial reward would be offered for credible and actionable information that leads directly to his arrest. All information will be treated confidentially and the identity of informants protected under established security procedures.
The public has been urged to support the effort by providing timely information through official channels or the contact number 0708 498 8859. Citizens were strongly advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend the suspects themselves. Separate bounties of N50 million and N10 million have been placed on other named commanders.
The development illustrates the growing role of technical and forensic intelligence in identifying high-value targets after kinetic operations. Recovery of devices is only the first step; systematic exploitation converts material into names, locations and operational leads. Sustained pressure on the identified leaders will depend on the quality of follow-up intelligence and the willingness of communities to share information through protected channels rather than risk direct engagement.
