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Nigeria’s ISWAP Leader, Ba’a Shuwa Reluctant to Accept New ISIS Appointment After Mainok’s Death in Nigeria-US Strike

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Nigeria’s ISWAP Leader, Ba’a Shuwa Reluctant to Accept New ISIS Appointment After Mainok’s Death in Nigeria-US Strike

By: Zagazola Makama

Fresh intelligence reports indicate that a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Ba’a Shuwa, has shown reluctance to accept a leadership role reportedly proposed by the Islamic State’s central leadership in Iraq following the death of veteran commander Abubakar Mainok, also known as Abu Bilal al-Mainuki or Abbor Mainok.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the move came after Mainok was reportedly killed during a joint Nigeria-United States counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Region Basin Area (LCRBA), dealing a major blow to ISWAP’s command and propaganda structure.

According to the sources, ISIS central command in Iraq moved swiftly to address the leadership vacuum created by Mainok’s death and discreetly reached out to influential figures within ISWAP’s hierarchy, with Ba’a Shuwa emerging as one of the preferred candidates to assume a broader leadership role.

However, intelligence assessments suggest that the commander has been hesitant to accept the responsibility.

“The leadership position was reportedly hinted to Ba’a Shuwa by ISIS central command in Iraq following the elimination of Mainok. However, available intelligence indicates that he is reluctant to take up the role at this time,” a
source familiar with the development said.

The source noted that the reluctance was believed to stem from the increasing vulnerability of senior terrorist leaders to intelligence-led operations and precision strikes, particularly in the Lake Chad region where military pressure has intensified in recent months.

It is believed that Mainok’s death created one of the most significant leadership crises within ISWAP in recent years.

The slain commander was widely regarded as a key strategic figure within the terrorist organisation, coordinating insurgent activities across Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon while maintaining links with the wider Islamic State network.

His influence reportedly extended beyond military operations to media, propaganda and international coordination.

On May 28, ISWAP itself acknowledged Mainok’s death in a statement circulated through its official media channels, an unusual admission that analysts described as evidence of the significance of the loss.

ISWAP alleged that US forces had tracked al-MAINUKI for roughly six months using drone surveillance before launching a multi-point airborne assault.

The group’s statement included rhetorical language framing the operation as disproportionate, noting “what prompted crusader America to cross all these distances” for a single individual. The communique was released about two weeks after the operation, following Eid-el-Kabir.

The group claimed that a newly established media facility in the Lake Chad forests had been targeted during the operation, resulting in the deaths of Mainok, members of its ILANI media network, several foreign ISIS fighters and other associates.

The media unit is the ISIS al-FURQAN and the subset for media coverage is the ILANI network situated in the LCRBA. However, the group after the US/NIGERIA strikes have sustained terrorists campaigns via AMAQ and al-NABA magazines.

Security analysts say the statement represented the first known public acknowledgment by ISWAP that a senior leader had been killed during an operation involving direct U.S. participation in the region.

While ISWAP did not provide a total casualty figure, Open-source intelligence assessments have estimated that up to 175 fighters may have been killed during the operation. The affected locations included Garin Abu Bilal (also known as Sahel), Garin Ba Bunu (west of Mangari), Satir-Kanama and Kwatan Fulani.

Sources further disclosed that ISIS central command had been concerned about preserving continuity within ISWAP’s leadership structure, particularly after the loss of several influential figures over the past months. It is believed a debate has ensued to where the al-FURQAN HQ should be established

The effort to persuade Ba’a Shuwa to assume a higher leadership position was therefore viewed as part of a broader attempt to stabilise the group’s command system and reassure fighters operating across the Lake Chad basin.

However, intelligence reports indicate that the proposal has not generated the expected enthusiasm within the organisation.
“There are indications of internal disagreements regarding succession and the future direction of the organisation. The apparent reluctance of Ba’a Shuwa to step into the role has added to the uncertainty,” another source said.

The development is also believed to have fuelled tensions among competing factions and commanders within the group, with some fighters reportedly relocating from traditional strongholds in the Lake Chad axis amid concerns about sustained military operations.

“The issue is not merely replacing a commander. Mainok occupied a unique position that combined operational authority, media oversight, ideological influence and links to ISIS central leadership. Such individuals are difficult to replace,” said sources.

The sources added that the situation could further weaken coordination among ISWAP cells operating across the Lake Chad basin and adjoining border regions.

Despite the apparent leadership challenges, ISWAP remains a capable and dangerous terrorist organisation with the ability to adapt and reorganise.

Nigeria’s ISWAP Leader, Ba’a Shuwa Reluctant to Accept New ISIS Appointment After Mainok’s Death in Nigeria-US Strike

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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