The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly undergone a significant leadership reshuffle.
This information was shared by Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, on his X handle.
Makama revealed that over 30 fighters have volunteered to become suicide bombers among ISWAP members. This development is potentially linked to the recent surge in attacks on military locations across the Lake Chad region.
According to intelligence sources cited by Makama, the position of overall commander for the Southern Lake Chad Basin Region Authority (LCRBA) was recently declared vacant, prompting a leadership change.
Abu Usman, also known as Usman Russia, who previously held the role of Amirul Fiya (Chief Military Commander) in the Southern LCRBA, is believed to have been neutralized in recent operations. He has been replaced by Abu Saleh, a key ISWAP figure previously stationed in Tumbun Gini, Abadam Local Government Area.
Abu Saleh had served as a Kheed in Tumbun Gini before his new appointment. His promotion to overall commander came with a declaration by ISWAP leaders that the position would be filled by an individual capable of executing at least four significant attacks on military locations within a month. Abu Saleh reportedly volunteered, vowing to meet the challenge.
Shortly after his appointment in October 2024, Abu Saleh inaugurated a team of about 150 Special Forces led by a commander known as Abu Ubaida in a meeting that took place in Kangarwa and Dogon Chikun, believed to be ISWAP strongholds. This unit has been mobilized with the specific intent of executing coordinated attacks on military locations.
Abu Ubaida was appointed as the lead of this offensive, with four additional commanders under his direct control: Abu Ali, Ibn Mustapha, Abu Nazir, and Goni Ali. The fighters have prepared and positioned highly volatile SVBIEDs with the apparent intention of deploying them against troops.
These commanders are organized to conduct operations under the broader oversight of Abu Saleh, who is based in Jibularam and is responsible for managing all tactical and operational activities within this deployment.
The families of the deployed fighters, specifically their wives, have been relocated to the Hisbah center in Tumbumma Babba, where provisions for their care have been arranged.
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