Confusion as ISWAP eliminates four members over leadership crisis

The Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, has reportedly killed four members of its Shura Council over leadership crisis.

A statement by security expert, Zagazola Makama posted on X said the four senior members, who were reportedly arrested by ISWAP elements last week, were allegedly executed by Ba Shuwa, a senior ISWAP figure, at the group’s Kwatan Dila enclave.

According to Zagazola, the latest development is believed to further expose growing internal disagreements and factional tensions within the terrorist organisation operating in the Lake Chad region.

He said the four Shura Council members were reportedly detained amid an ongoing leadership crisis within ISWAP, although the specific allegations against them could not be independently established.

The security expert said their subsequent execution has heightened concerns over internal purges and the consolidation of authority by rival commanders within the group.

“The development also comes against the backdrop of intensified military operations targeting terrorist leadership structures.

“The incident could have significant implications for ISWAP’s command structure, particularly if other senior commanders and members of the Shura Council perceive the executions as evidence of a broader internal purge,” he said.

Zagazola further stated that the Shura Council traditionally plays an important role in the decision-making structure of terrorist organisations, including matters relating to leadership, operations, administration and resource management.

According to him, the reported executions therefore represent more than an isolated disciplinary action and could further weaken cohesion within ISWAP’s senior command structure.

“The latest intelligence is being closely monitored by security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to understand and exploit the group’s internal fractures.

“The development is also expected to provide security forces with additional opportunities to exploit divisions within the terrorist organisation and encourage further defections, surrenders and intelligence disclosures,” he added.