30 fighters volunteer to become suicide bombers as ISWAP reshuffles leadership

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

This was made known on Saturday by Zagazola Makama, an expert on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, in a post on his X handle.

Makama revealed that over 30 fighters have volunteered to become suicide bombers among ISWAP members.

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

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

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

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

“His promotion to the post of commander-in-chief came with a declaration by ISWAP leaders that the position would be filled by a person capable of executing at least four significant attacks on military locations within a month. Abu Saleh reportedly volunteered, vowing to rise to the challenge.

“Soon 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 said he thinks it is the bastion of ISWAP,” Makama said.

“This unit was mobilized with the specific intent to execute coordinated attacks on military locations that are currently happening.

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

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

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

“Families of the deployed fighters, especially their wives, have been moved to the Hisbah center in Tumbumma Babba, where supplies have been arranged for their care,” Makama said.