The Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, has appointed Abu Khalifa as its new commander around the Timbuktu Triangle.
The appointment followed the killing of ISWAP’s former commander, Julaibib, by Nigerian troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Kimba, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
A security expert, Zagazola Makama, said in a report on Monday that the appointment was made after internal consultations within the ISWAP leadership.
According to him, security sources said Julaibib was recently neutralised during a military operation in the Kimba axis of Damboa LGA, prompting the group to quickly restructure its command.
“Intelligence revealed that Abu Khalifa has been named as the new ISWAP commander in the Timbuktu Triangle to replace Julaibib,” the source said.
It was also gathered that no official second-in-command (2IC) has been appointed yet.
However, the source added that one Tuja is currently being considered by the group’s fighters as the leading candidate for the position of deputy commander.
The development comes as troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue sustained offensives against ISWAP and Boko Haram enclaves across the southern Borno axis.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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