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Anxiety Grips ISWAP Leadership as Military Eliminates Senior Commander WAL-GEGE Near Gargash Hideout in Dikwa
Anxiety Grips ISWAP Leadership as Military Eliminates Senior Commander WAL-GEGE Near Gargash Hideout in Dikwa
By Zagazola Makama
Anxiety has reportedly spread through the leadership of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following the 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 of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that WAL-GEGE was eliminated while riding a motorcycle along the main route near the terrorists’ Markaz, close to the Gargash hideout.
The strike, according to the sources, was conducted as part of ongoing intelligence-led air operations aimed at disrupting the movement and leadership structure of ISWAP elements operating around the Dikwa axis.
Sources said the elimination has generated concern within the terrorist group, particularly because the commander was reportedly moving through an area considered to be under the group’s control.
The incident has reportedly triggered an internal investigation among ISWAP elements, with members accusing unidentified insiders of leaking information about the commander’s movement to the military.
According to intelligence gathered by Zagazola Makama, the terrorists have become increasingly suspicious of information leaks within their ranks and are reportedly reviewing their communication and movement procedures following the strike.
The sources said the development has also prompted ISWAP elements to consider restricting the use of mobile phones among field commanders and fighters for fear that their movements could be detected through communications or other intelligence capabilities.
The reaction reflects the growing pressure on the terrorist group as Nigerian security forces intensify surveillance and precision operations against its commanders, logistics networks and hideouts across the Lake Chad Basin.
WAL-GEGE’s elimination is particularly significant because the loss of senior field commanders can disrupt the coordination of fighters, movement of logistics and execution of attacks.
Military operations in the Dikwa axis have increasingly focused on identifying terrorist concentrations and disrupting their freedom of movement before they can launch attacks against troops or vulnerable communities.
The development also highlights the importance of intelligence gathering in the counter-insurgency campaign.
While terrorist groups frequently attempt to conceal their movements through motorcycles, couriers and other forms of communication, security forces continue to employ multiple intelligence sources to identify and track key operatives.
The reported decision by ISWAP elements to reduce or abandon mobile-phone use could therefore complicate their internal communications and command-and-control arrangements.
However, security sources cautioned that the terrorists remain capable of adapting their tactics and could resort to alternative methods of communication and movement.
The elimination of WAL-GEGE comes amid sustained military pressure against ISWAP and other terrorist elements operating in Borno State, with troops and the Nigerian Air Force maintaining operations designed to degrade their leadership, logistics and operational capabilities.
The military has continued to combine intelligence-driven air operations with ground clearance and surveillance missions to prevent terrorists from establishing secure bases and freedom of movement.
Although the full operational impact of WAL-GEGE’s elimination is yet to be established, the reported reaction within ISWAP indicates that the group considers the loss of senior commanders a serious security setback.
The emerging internal suspicion over possible information leaks could further undermine trust within the terrorist network and force commanders to adopt more restrictive movement and communication procedures.
Anxiety Grips ISWAP Leadership as Military Eliminates Senior Commander WAL-GEGE Near Gargash Hideout in Dikwa
News
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing offensive operations against armed criminal networks in Plateau State, neutralising two notorious terrorist leaders, critically wounding another and recovering six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.
The latest developments followed sustained military offensives at Dajin Madam in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State on November 8, 2026.

Security sources disclosed that HUMINT reports received at about 8:53 a.m. on November 9 indicated that the intensity of the military operation had resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected terrorist leaders identified as Haruna Balatoni and Black.
Another notorious figure, identified as Dogo Mai Kunkuru, was reportedly shot in the chest and left in a critical condition, with sources indicating that his chances of survival were slim.
In a significant development on November 10, the sustained military pressure reportedly compelled the terrorist network, through an intermediary identified as Ali-Kwara, to return six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.
The recovered weapons are currently in military custody.
In a related operation, troops of 173 Battalion deployed at Mansur rescued a kidnapped mother and her daughter and recovered 39 cattle.
The developments represent a significant disruption of the criminal network’s leadership, weapons stockpile and capacity to sustain operations in the Wase axis.
The recovery of the six rifles is particularly important as it restores weapons previously lost to the criminal network and provides an opportunity for further intelligence exploitation.
The latest successes underscore the impact of sustained offensive pressure, intelligence-driven operations and military presence in dismantling armed groups operating across Plateau State.
The reported deaths of the terrorist leaders and the condition of Dogo Mai Kunkuru are based on preliminary HUMINT assessments and remain subject to independent military confirmation
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
News
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 114 Battalion (Reinforcement) have dislodged suspected terrorists from their hideouts during a fighting patrol in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, conducted under Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), commenced at about 7:30 a.m. on November 8, 2026, with troops advancing towards Komodoro village, where they made contact with suspected terrorists.
Security sources said the criminals fled upon sighting the advancing troops, prompting the patrol team to extend its operation to Mashigin Kirya village within the same local government area.
At Mashigin Kirya, the troops encountered suspected terrorists believed to have been hibernating in the general area and engaged them, forcing the armed elements to retreat.
The troops subsequently recovered five motorcycles suspected to have been used by the criminal group for mobility and logistics.
To further disrupt the fleeing terrorists, the troops conducted a fire mission using an 81mm mortar along their withdrawal route.
The operation was ongoing as troops sustained pressure on suspected criminal hideouts and movement corridors in the area.
The development point to the military’s determination to deny armed groups safe havens and restrict their freedom of movement across Taraba State.
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
News
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), have launched an investigation into an attack on Fulani herdsmen in Obelagu Umuamba community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, which left two herders and 16 cattle dead.
The incident came to light at about 11:00 a.m. on November 10, 2026, when a joint patrol team comprising troops of the 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion (Reinforcement), alongside police and DSS operatives, visited the community to assess the cause and extent of damage from the recent attack by suspected hoodlums.
On arrival, the security team discovered that two Fulani herdsmen and 16 cows had been killed, while two other persons sustained injuries.
Following the discovery, the troops convened a joint peace and security meeting involving community leaders, representatives of the Fulani herders, neighbourhood watch groups and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, security officials cautioned all parties against taking the law into their hands, warning that reprisals could escalate tensions and further threaten peaceful coexistence.
The troops subsequently recovered the corpses and handed them over to the police for further investigation.
Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, including suspected local collaborators.
The intervention is aimed at preventing retaliatory violence, restoring confidence among residents and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
Authorities have urged both farming and herding communities to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and pursue grievances through lawful channels.
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
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