ISWAP LEADERS GRIPPED BY FEAR, SUSPICION OVER ACCURACY OF OPHK WANTED LIST
By Zagazola Makama
Senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are reportedly gripped by fear and suspicion following the release of a wanted list containing the names and photographs of key terrorist figures by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama indicated that the development has triggered serious apprehension within ISWAP’s leadership structure operating in the Lake Chad area, with commanders reportedly questioning how security forces obtained accurate details about some ISWAP senior members.
According to the intelligence, Ba Shuwa, identified as a senior ISWAP leader, reportedly expressed shock at the accuracy of the names and photographs contained in the wanted calendar and other information leaflets recently circulated by Nigerian troops.
The reaction is believed to have heightened concerns among senior ISWAP commanders over possible intelligence penetration of the group’s leadership and operational structures.
Sources said the accuracy of the information has reportedly generated suspicion among the terrorists, with some commanders becoming increasingly concerned that their identities, movements and activities may have been exposed to security forces.
The development could further deepen existing mistrust within the group, particularly amid reports of internal disagreements and leadership tensions among senior ISWAP commanders in the Lake Chad region.
The wanted materials, which reportedly contain photographs and identifying information on suspected terrorist commanders, form part of the military’s broader intelligence aimed at crippling the terrorist networks and denying them freedom of movement.
Security sources said the circulation of the materials also serves to demonstrate to terrorist commanders and their associates that security forces have substantial knowledge of the group’s leadership structure.
The reaction attributed to Ba Shuwa is particularly significant because it suggests that the materials may be having an impact beyond their immediate public-information purpose, by generating uncertainty among terrorist commanders over the extent of intelligence available to the military.
The sources said the development is being closely monitored by security agencies as they continue to assess its implications for ISWAP’s command, control and internal cohesion.
The latest intelligence comes amid sustained military pressure on terrorist formations across the Lake Chad axis, including air and ground operations targeting their leadership, logistics networks and areas of concentration.
