Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Malam Bako Gorgore, also known as Abou Mustapha, during a military encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the insurgent leader, believed to be about 60 years old, was killed during an operation around the Lake Chad region, a known stronghold for insurgent activities. His death was reportedly confirmed after security operatives intercepted internal communications among ISWAP fighters acknowledging the incident on Saturday.
Gorgore was considered one of the longest-serving commanders in the insurgency that began under the late Mohammed Yusuf. Over the years, he held several strategic positions within ISWAP and played a major role in coordinating operations across the Lake Chad basin.
He was also linked to the 2021 internal conflict that led to the death of former Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau during a confrontation in the Sambisa Forest.
Security analysts say the killing of Gorgore could weaken ISWAP’s command structure in the North-East, as he was regarded as a key member of the group’s Shura Council and an experienced operational planner.
Authorities believe his death may disrupt the group’s leadership dynamics in the Lake Chad region, although ISWAP is still expected to maintain operational activities in parts of the North-East.
Details later
