News
Internal Rift Deepens in ISWAP as Leader Detains Four Shura Council Members Over Alleged Dissent
Internal Rift Deepens in ISWAP as Leader Detains Four Shura Council Members Over Alleged Dissent
By: Zagazola Makama
A fresh wave of internal distrust has reportedly engulfed the leadership of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Basin, following the arrest and detention of four senior members of the group’s influential Shura Council by its overall leader in the area, Ba Shuwa.
Zagazola Makama gathered from credible intelligence sources that the arrests were ordered after the group’s internal intelligence unit, known as the Amniyya, concluded a prolonged surveillance operation on the four senior figures.
According to the sources, the detained leaders were accused of repeatedly listening to what ISWAP leadership described as “subversive” audio messages believed to have originated from Nigerian military psychological operations targeting insurgents in the Lake Chad region.
Those arrested were identified as Mallam Burin, a widely respected Qaid (field commander) with considerable influence among fighters operating around the Lake Chad islands; Babakura Wanjam, a prominent ISWAP cleric known for providing ideological guidance to members; as well as Abu Huraira and Mallam Ari Kara, both senior members of the group’s Shura Council.
Security sources said the arrests have triggered anxiety and uncertainty within ISWAP’s ranks, particularly because those detained are regarded as trusted members of the organisation’s senior decision-making body.
The development is being viewed as one of the clearest signs yet of growing suspicion and internal fractures within the terrorist group’s leadership structure.
“The detention of influential commanders and religious figures by their own leader reflects an atmosphere of deep mistrust within the organisation. It suggests that Ba Shuwa is increasingly concerned about possible ideological drift, dissent or covert influence among even his closest associates,” a security source familiar with the development said.
The extremist organisations often become vulnerable when internal loyalty is questioned, as prolonged suspicion can undermine operational planning, weaken command cohesion and erode fighters’ confidence in their leadership.
The latest incident comes amid sustained military pressure by Nigerian and regional forces against ISWAP strongholds in the Lake Chad Basin, where intelligence-driven operations and psychological campaigns have continued to target the group’s command structure and rank-and-file members.
It was believed such sustained pressure has increasingly forced the group into defensive internal security measures, including tighter surveillance of its own members and frequent investigations into suspected disloyalty.
Sources disclosed that the current development is being closely monitored by security agencies, which consider the apparent leadership crisis an opportunity to further weaken the terrorist organisation through intelligence exploitation and psychological operations.
According to the sources, efforts are ongoing to establish the exact location where the four detained leaders are being held, assess the reaction of other ISWAP commanders, and monitor Ba Shuwa’s next moves.
Sources say that if the reported divisions continue to widen, they could contribute to reduced morale among fighters, disrupt command and control, encourage defections and potentially accelerate fragmentation within the organisation.
Internal Rift Deepens in ISWAP as Leader Detains Four Shura Council Members Over Alleged Dissent
Operation Enduring Peace Conducts Show of Force, Secures Church Services in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies, have conducted a show-of-force operation across major flashpoints in Jos and the Bukuru General Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as part of measures to provide security for church services and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the period to carry out attacks.
According to a security source, personnel of OPEP, working with troops of 551 Nigerian Air Force Station, Keystone, NSCDC and other sister agencies, conducted the operation across identified flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru General Area.
The show of force was aimed at reassuring residents and worshippers while denying criminal elements freedom of action during church services.
The security teams maintained visible patrols and presence around strategic locations to deter potential threats and ensure the safe movement of worshippers.
The operation was conducted successfully and without any reported security incident.
Security authorities said the situation remained calm throughout the exercise.
Operation Enduring Peace Conducts Show of Force, Secures Church Services in Jos
Man Killed in Attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A man has been killed in an alleged attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at an illegal mining site around Angwan Izalla village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a report of an attack allegedly involving suspected Fulani herders in the area.
According to a security source, troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to the report and immediately moved to the scene.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered the corpse of a man identified as Abdulmumuni Ibrahim, who had sustained machete wounds to his head and hand.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the assailants were not immediately established.
The deceased’s remains were subsequently evacuated by members of his family for burial.
Security personnel have commenced a manhunt for the suspected attackers, while efforts are ongoing to establish the motive for the killing and apprehend those responsible.
The incident is being investigated as security agencies continue to monitor the area.
Man Killed in Attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
OPEP Troops Recover Cattle Rustled by Berom Militia, Return Livestock to Owners in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 9, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have recovered a herd of cattle reportedly rustled by Berom militia from Nteng village in Quan’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The recovery followed a report of cattle rustling received by the troops at about 5:05 p.m. on August 22, 2025.
According to a security source, troops immediately commenced a pursuit of the suspected cattle rustlers and successfully traced the movement of the stolen livestock.
The troops also deployed a drone to monitor the movement of the rustled cattle from the air, enabling them to track the livestock until they were successfully recovered.
Following the recovery operation, the cattle were handed over to their rightful owners.
The operation highlights the continued efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to tackle cattle rustling and other forms of criminality threatening rural communities and livelihoods across Plateau State.
Security personnel are maintaining surveillance in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents and livestock owners.
OPEP Troops Recover Cattle Rustled by Berom Militia, Return Livestock to Owners in Plateau
Kidnappers Kill Two Locals, Abduct Doctor and Hakimi’s Wife in Kaduna
Operation Enduring Peace Conducts Show of Force, Secures Church Services in Jos
Man Killed in Attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
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