ISWAP leader orders Shura council member’s execution over defiance

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly executed a senior member of its Shura Council after accusing him of repeatedly disobeying directives from the group’s Wali, Baa Shuwa.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the victim, identified as Yaa Saleh, served as ISWAP’s Zakkah Amir and was responsible for parts of the Gudumbali, Kareto and Gubio axis. Yaa Saleh, reportedly an indigene of Banki, was accused of repeatedly disregarding instructions from Baa Shuwa before his execution.

The dispute reportedly escalated within the group and followed the deaths of three other prominent ISWAP fighters in the area. “Yaa Saleh was accused of repeatedly disregarding directives from the ISWAP Wali,” Makama said. Makama said the reported execution came amid efforts by Baa Shuwa to strengthen his control over ISWAP’s command structure in the Lake Chad region.

In a separate leadership reshuffle, Yaku Abu Adam, described as the group’s most senior Buduma commander, was reportedly moved into a senior Jaish leadership position, effectively making him a deputy within ISWAP’s operational structure.

His former deputy, Abubakar Bashihuba, reportedly took over his previous responsibilities among Buduma-dominated enclaves, while Yaku’s chief bodyguard, Mal Haruna, was appointed to a senior command position under Bashihuba.

According to Makama, security sources believe the changes may be linked to concerns over Yaku’s reported vulnerability to defection or surrender. The reshuffle may therefore be intended to keep the influential commander within ISWAP’s leadership structure, according to the assessment attributed to security sources.