The Islamic State West Africa Province has confirmed the death of senior commander and Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, describing it as a major loss to the group.
The development was disclosed by security analyst on Sunday who cited intelligence sources.
According to reports, Al-Muhajir played a key role in coordinating operations across the Lake Chad Basin.
He was believed to have been killed during a failed ISWAP assault on Malam Fatori on March 18, 2026, or from injuries sustained during Nigerian military airstrikes on fleeing insurgents.
Security sources said the attack was repelled by troops, with about 80–84 fighters killed during the confrontation and follow-up operations.
Analysts say the death of a Shura Council member could disrupt ISWAP’s command structure in the short term. Nigerian military authorities are yet to officially confirm the report.
