The terrorists were killed during a foiled attack on Damboa town, which was repelled by ground troops with support from aerial strikes by the Nigerian Air Force
By Titilope Adako
Two senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Ya Muhammad and Abou Dawuda, have been confirmed dead following a joint operation by Nigerian troops and the Nigerian Air Force in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The terrorists were killed during a foiled attack on Damboa town, which was repelled by ground troops with support from aerial strikes by the Nigerian Air Force.
Ya Muhammad, identified as the Ameer Fiya of Garno and one of five top ISWAP commanders who led the assault, was initially injured but escaped with two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), which he later hid in the Bula Bukarti forest.
However, his bid to regroup with more fighters was unsuccessful, as he was eventually killed by another airstrike from the Operation Hadin Kai air component. His body was reportedly recovered by fellow terrorists, dealing a major blow to the insurgent group.
Ya Muhammad was known to be a close associate of other top ISWAP leaders such as Abu Ayuba, Abu Khalid, and Ameer Sarki.
He was believed to have played a key role in multiple attacks across Borno and Yobe states, including in Wajiroko, Sabon Gari, and Damboa.
Abou Dawuda, another leading figure in the attack, was also neutralised during the air offensive.
Sources disclosed that ISWAP fighters, including Modu Sullum and Abdul Kaka, have reportedly regrouped around the Gaidam axis, raising concerns of possible reprisal attacks.
Intelligence reports also revealed the presence of other ISWAP commanders: Abu Hafsat, a senior leader based in Mangusum; Suleimana Suwurti, a bomb expert in Gorgore; and various Ameers Fiya operating in Gorgore and Borgozo. Additionally, an Ameer Jaish named Huzaifa is said to be active in the Gargash area.
The Nigerian military remains on high alert, with continuous aerial and ground surveillance across the North East, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest, to eliminate any emerging threats.
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