By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) has continued to exert more control over Boko Haram terrorist group with the reported death of it’s leader, Abubakar Shekau.
This is as the group has appointedAbu-Musad Albarnawy as their new leader.
Shekau was reportedly killed in a gun battle between ISWAP and Boko Haram.
In new informations after the demise of Shekau, ISWAP has taken over all territories under his control.
Similarly, 30 of his top loyal commanders have surrendered to ISWAP.
Those arrested include Abdul Bash, Commander Parisu, Abu Mujaheed, Commander of Sabil Huda, MalaAli, Commander of Farisu, Amir Hassana, Commander Garin Dambe, Malam Bako, Commander Hizba, Amir Halid, Commander Njimiya Falluja, Commander Garin Mala, Abu- Fatima, Commander, Gwashke, Kaka BK, Commander Garin Abu Asmau among others.Others are Alai Bukar, Commander Mina Ngawri, Abu-Ubaida, Commander Jungle Gabra, in Pulka, Amir Abdulrahman Commander, Gobara, Abu Muhammad, Commander Alava, Ali Shara, Commander Yuwe Hanyan Bama, Amir Huzayfa Commander Yuwe Hanyan Welcome, Abubakar Sarki, Commander, Yuwe Hanyan Konduga, Ibn Abbas, Commander Barin Bulla Yaga, Ali Ngule, Commander Madara Mountain among others.
They also include Ummati Mai Shayi, Commander Madara Mountain, Mala Musa Abuja, The Chief Bomb Maker, Mallam Bana Sharra, Chief Judge to Shekau faction, located at Garin Mala Hassan, Baba Dr. Konduga, Chief Medical Doctor, Alava Road, Ma’azu Dan Lokodisa, The Chief Prison Officer, Alai Abba, the Caretaker of Women, children, Mala Musa, Chief Mechanic Officer, located at Parisu, Abu Zaid, Chief Bomb maker, located at Parisu, Abu Aisha Special Clearance operations Unit, Fairs, Amir Okasha, Bomb Timer, Farisu and Amir Awana among others terrorists.
They surrendered after ISWAP fighters in about 50 gun trucks and dozens of motorcycles stormed Sambisa forest recently.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Abu-Musad Albarnawy as ISWAP leader has been reportedly sanctioned by the ISIS leadership which has become the major source of strength for the insurgents.
Albarnawi told his followers that he has the mandate of ISIS to take over and coordinate all activities of the insurgents under one umbrella for easy movement of funds, weapons and materials.
“The ISWAP and Boko Haram have been engaged in several infighting for superiority among factions resulting in the elimination of dozens of Boko Haram fighters from both sides within the past five years”, said our source.
