By Divine Sam
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has undergone a significant leadership reshuffle, with over 30 fighters volunteering to become suicide bombers, according to counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama. This development is linked to a recent surge in ISWAP attacks across military locations in the Lake Chad region.
Makama reported that the position of overall commander for the Southern Lake Chad Basin Region Authority (LCRBA) became vacant after the death of Abu Usman, also known as Usman Russia. He has been replaced by Abu Saleh, a former commander in Tumbun Gini. Abu Saleh’s promotion came with the expectation that he would carry out at least four major attacks on military targets each month, a challenge he reportedly accepted.
In response, Abu Saleh has mobilized a team of about 150 Special Forces led by Abu Ubaida, with the intent to carry out coordinated attacks on military locations. This new unit is equipped with suicide bombers, with commanders overseeing the operational and tactical deployment of these fighters. Families of the deployed fighters have been moved to a secure center for their care.
This reshuffle and the mobilization of suicide bombers reflect ISWAP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its operational capabilities and escalate attacks in the region.