ISWAP Terrorists Appoint New Commander In Borno After Nigerian Troops K!lled Julaibib
ISWAP Terrorists Appoint New Commander In Borno After Nigerian Troops Killed Julaibib
Security sources told a counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama on Monday that the decision was reached after internal consultations within the group’s leadership.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has appointed Abu Khalifa as its new commander in the Timbuktu Triangle following the killing of its former commander, Julaibib, by Nigerian troops in Borno State.
Security sources told a counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama on Monday that the decision was reached after internal consultations within the group’s leadership.
Julaibib was reportedly neutralised during a military operation carried out by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the Kimba axis of Damboa Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the elimination of Julaibib forced ISWAP to quickly reorganise its command structure in the strategic Timbuktu Triangle area.
“Intelligence revealed that Abu Khalifa has been named as the new ISWAP commander in the Timbuktu Triangle to replace Julaibib,” one of the sources said.
The sources added that the group is yet to appoint an official second-in-command for the new commander.
However, a senior ISWAP figure identified as Tuja is reportedly being considered by the group’s fighters as the leading candidate for the position of deputy commander.
The latest development comes amid intensified military offensives by troops of Operation HADIN KAI against ISWAP and Boko Haram strongholds across the southern axis of Borno State, as security forces continue efforts to degrade the operational capacity of insurgent groups in the region.
