The Nigerian military successfully eliminated Ba’a Shuwa, the leader of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with numerous fighters in a series of precise airstrikes.
This operation marked a significant setback for ISWAP in the North East.
In a daring operation on January 2, 2023, at Kwatan Dilla, Abadam LGA of Borno State, the Nigerian military orchestrated devastating airstrikes, led by intelligence reports provided by Zagazola Makama.
The outcome was the elimination of Ba’a Shuwa and a substantial number of his fighters.
Ba’a Shuwa, appointed in 2021 after Abubakar Shekau’s demise, commanded terrorists across various camps within the Timbuktu and Alagarno axis in the South of Borno.
Notable locations included Chiralia, Markas Kauwa, Abirma, Buk, Abulam, Dusula, Abbagajiri, and Gorgore.
Under Ba’a Shuwa’s leadership, key commanding officers included Khaid Hanzala, Ba’a Idirisa, Rawana, Abou Ibrahim, Mallam Abubakar, Abou Aisha, and Abou Khalid.
The latter was notably responsible for the recent attack on the electricity towers along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.
Ba’a Shuwa’s group played a pivotal role in attacks, ambushes, and IED/mine activities targeting Damboa roads, Damaturu-Maiduguri, Askira, Buratai, Buni Yadi, Buni Gari, Gaidam, and other parts of Borno and Yobe States.
The terrorists operated from highly fortified hideouts strategically positioned under thick foliage and rocks within the Timbuktu Triangle.
This concealed location provided effective camouflage against air strikes.
