Leader of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), Sani Shuwaram, has been reportedly killed as a result of the fallout of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) interdiction missions conducted at Sabon Tumbuns near Kirta Wulgo last month.
Sources confirmed that already, one Mallam Bako Gorgore is now the new Wali (leader) of ISWAP.
The death of Sani Shuwaram, the 6th Wali of ISWAP killed by Nigerian troops, is coming barely months after his appointment. The killing is expected to have a devastating and traumatic effect on the minds of the terrorists.
The airstrikes, originally conducted on February 7, 2022, had led to to the death of several other ISWAP leaders and followers. The former ISWAP leader, who was hurt in the airstrikes, had been reportedly receiving treatment in an undisclosed location before his eventual death.
Sources said that “to further buttress the report of the death of Shuwaram, other sources have noted that an ISWAP video released on 15 March 2022, showed an ISWAP member believed to be using the alias, ‘Okasha’ stating that indeed some of their key members were eliminated including Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi.
“He however did not mention the name of ISWAP leader, Sani Shuwaram. It is thus likely that Shuwaram may have died before the 15 March 2022. Lately, ISWAP have been cautious in hurriedly announcing killed members, probably to enable them quickly appoint a leader.”
NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who refused to be drawn into the issue of the death of the ISWAP leader, noted that “in continuation of its mandate, NAF aircraft have continued to conduct strikes within the Lake Chad Region and the Tumbuns, especially close to Kirta Wulgo in Marte LGA.
“Agreed we have had the upper hand against terrorists and insurgents. But the NAF will however NOT be dragged into making any statement or confirmation based on rumours or heresays. Our troops at the frontline alongside other agencies will continue to strike at the hearts of terrorists leaders and enclaves until we get this job done”.