Borno State — Anxiety has reportedly spread within the leadership of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following the reported elimination of a senior commander identified as WAL-GEGE by the Nigerian Air Force Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) around the Gargash axis of Dikwa Local Government Area, Borno State.
According to intelligence sources cited by security analyst Zagazola Makama, WAL-GEGE was reportedly targeted while riding a motorcycle along a major route near an ISWAP Markaz close to the Gargash hideout.
The operation was said to be part of ongoing intelligence-led air operations aimed at disrupting ISWAP's leadership, movement and operational networks in the Dikwa axis.
The reported death has allegedly triggered concern among ISWAP members, particularly because the commander was operating in an area considered to be under the group's control. The development has reportedly prompted an internal investigation, with some members suspecting that information about WAL-GEGE's movement may have been leaked.
Intelligence gathered by Zagazola Makama indicates that ISWAP elements are now increasingly concerned about possible information leaks within their ranks and are reviewing their communication and movement procedures.
The group is also reportedly considering tighter restrictions on mobile-phone use among field commanders and fighters amid fears that communications could expose their movements to security forces.
The development highlights the growing pressure being placed on ISWAP by Nigerian security forces through intelligence, surveillance and precision operations targeting commanders, logistics networks and hideouts across the Lake Chad Basin.
The reported loss of WAL-GEGE could affect the group's ability to coordinate fighters, move logistics and organise attacks in the Dikwa area. However, security sources caution that ISWAP remains capable of adapting its tactics and could adopt alternative communication and movement methods.
The reported elimination comes amid sustained military operations across Borno State aimed at degrading terrorist networks and preventing them from establishing secure bases and freedom of movement.
While the full operational impact of WAL-GEGE's reported elimination remains unclear, the alleged internal suspicion over information leaks could further undermine trust within the terrorist organisation and force its commanders to adopt more restrictive security measures.
Source: Zagazola Makama
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