30 fighters volunteer to become suicide bombers as ISWAP reshuffles leadership

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly carried out a significant reshuffle within its hierarchy.

This was made known on Saturday by Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, in a post on his X handle.

Makama has disclosed that more than 30 fighters have volunteered to become suicide bombers among the ISWAP members.

The development is said to be potentially linked to the recent surge in attacks on military locations across the Lake Chad region.

Makama, citing intelligence sources, said the position of overall commander for the Southern Lake Chad Basin Region Authority (LCRBA) was recently declared vacant, prompting a leadership change.

According to the security expert, “Abu Usman, also known as Usman Russia, who previously held the role of Amirul Fiya (Chief Military Commander) in the Southern LCRBA, is believed to have been neutralized in recent operations. He has been replaced by Abu Saleh, a key ISWAP figure previously stationed in Tumbun Gini, Abadam Local Government Area.”

He stated that Abu Saleh had served as a Kheed in Tumbun Gini before his new appointment.

“His promotion to overall commander came with a declaration by ISWAP leaders that the position would be filled by an individual capable of executing at least four significant attacks on military locations within a month. Abu Saleh reportedly volunteered, vowing to meet the challenge.

“Shortly after his appointment,In October 2024, Abu Saleh, inaugurated a team of about 150 Special Forces led by a commander known as Abu Ubaida in a meeting that took place in Kangarwa and Dogon Chikun believed to be the stronghold of the ISWAP,” Makama said.

“This unit has been mobilized with the specific intent of executing coordinated attacks on military locations which is currently happening.

“Abu Ubaida was appointed as the lead of this offensive, with four additional commanders under his direct control: Abu Ali, Ibn Mustapha, Abu Nazir and Goni Ali,” he added.

He said that the fighters have prepared and positioned highly volatile SVBIEDs with the apparent intention of deploying them to troops.

“These commanders are organized to conduct operations under the broader oversight of Abu Saleh with his base in Jibularam and are responsible for managing all tactical and operational activities within this deployment.

“The families of the deployed fighters, specifically their wives, have been relocated to the Hisbah center in Tumbumma Babba, where provisions for their care have been arranged,” Makama said.

30 fighters volunteer to become suicide bombers as ISWAP reshuffles leadership