ISWAP Commander killed  after injuries sustained in gun battle with Army troops in Banki

By: Zagazola Makama 

Another senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) identified as Abu Muhammad has reportedly died from gunshot wounds sustained during terrorist attack on troops in Banki town of Borno State.

Security sources said the terrorist leader, believed to be in charge of insurgent activities within the Bulagaida cluster covering Dikwa, Bama and Mafa Local Government Areas, succumbed to injuries sustained during an engagement with troops stationed in Banki near the Nigeria–Cameroon border.

According to the sources, Abu Muhammad was among insurgents who attempted to attack a military deployment in Banki but the assault was repelled by troops, forcing the terrorists to withdraw with casualties.

The commander later died from the gunshot wounds he sustained during the encounter.

Intelligence sources revealed that the deceased insurgent leader was subsequently buried on March 14 in Yaganari area, with a large number of fighters reportedly attending the funeral rites.

The death of key field commanders often creates temporary disorganisation within insurgent ranks, although groups such as ISWAP are known to rapidly replace fallen leaders to maintain operational continuity.

The sources added that the terrorists mobilised to the Amchille axis in large numbers using motorcycles and gun trucks, commonly referred to as “buffalo” vehicles, suggesting the presence of significant insurgent movement within the area.

Military sources emphasised the need for intensified surveillance around Amchille and adjoining locations to prevent terrorists from regrouping or launching further attacks on nearby military formations in revenge to the death of the ISWAP Commander. 

The sources said monitoring the movement of fighters and logistics convoys within the area was critical to denying the insurgents freedom of movement and maintaining pressure on their operational bases.