Two ISWAP Top Commanders Ya Muhammad and Abou Dawuda Confirmed Killed in Damboa Encounter
By: Zagazola Makama
Two top commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), identified as Ya Muhammad and Abou Dawuda, have been confirmed killed in an operation by Nigerian troops in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from impeccable sources that the terrorists were neutralized during a recent attack on Damboa town, which was foiled by the ground troops and the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) aerial bombardments.
The terrorists, who were leading fighters in the attack, were hit during the NAF’s strike targeting their position. Ya Muhammad, recognized as the Ameer Fiya of Garno, was among the five ISWAP commanders reportedly leading the assault.
Following the airstrikes, it was gathered that he initially escaped with two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), which he hid in the Bula Bukarti forest after two other fighters were neutralized under his command.
However, attempts by Ya Muhammad to regroup with more fighters were cut short when he was struck by another airstrike from the Operation Hadin Kai’s air component. His corpse was reportedly found later by fellow terrorists, marking a significant blow to the insurgent group.
The late commander was closely associated with other notable ISWAP leaders, including Abu Ayuba, Abu Khalid and Ameer Sarki. His death has reportedly plunged the terrorists into mourning, signifying his prominence in orchestrating attacks within Borno and Yobe states. Ya Muhammad was believed to have masterminded several attacks on locations such as Wajiroko, Sabon Gari, and Damboa.
In related developments, intelligence reports indicate that other ISWAP fighters, including Modu Sullum and Abdul Kaka, may have regrouped at the fringes of the Gaidam axis, raising fears of reprisal attacks.
In addition, sources revealed the presence of other ISWAP commanders such as Abu HAFSAT, a senior commander based in Mangusum; Suleimana Suwurti, who is tasked with bomb-making in Gorgore; and various Ameer Fiye, including those in Gorgore and Borgozo, as well as an Ameer Jaish Huzaifa operating in Gargash, have all been regrouping.
Nigerian security forces have maintained heightened alertness, with ongoing day and night air and ground surveillance to nutrialised any threat in the North East especially Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest.
