ISWAP reportedly ex£cutes senior commander over repeated disobedience

ISWAP reportedly executes senior commander over repeated disobedience

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly executed a senior member of its Shura Council after accusing him of repeatedly disobeying directives from the group’s leadership.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the victim, identified as Yaa Saleh, served as the group’s Zakkah Amir, overseeing areas around the Gudumbali, Kareto and Gubio axis in Borno State.

Makama said Yaa Saleh, reportedly an indigene of Banki, was accused of repeatedly disregarding instructions from ISWAP’s Wali, Baa Shuwa.

The reported execution comes amid an internal shake-up within the terrorist group and follows the deaths of three other prominent ISWAP fighters in the same area.

“Yaa Saleh was accused of repeatedly disregarding directives from the ISWAP Wali,” Makama said.

The security analyst added that Baa Shuwa is tightening his control over ISWAP’s command structure in the Lake Chad region.

In another leadership change, Yaku Abu Adam, described as ISWAP’s most senior Buduma commander, was reportedly moved to a senior Jaish leadership position, effectively making him a deputy within the group’s operational structure.

His former deputy, Abubakar Bashihuba, reportedly took over his previous responsibilities among Buduma-dominated enclaves, while Yaku’s chief bodyguard, Mal Haruna, was appointed to a senior command position under Bashihuba.

According to Makama, security sources believe the reshuffle may be linked to concerns that Yaku could defect or surrender. The changes may therefore be aimed at keeping the influential commander within ISWAP’s leadership structure.