The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Malam Jidda, in a joint military operation in the insurgency-prone states of Yobe and Borno.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for Operation Hadin Kai, the offensive took place on Sunday in Gujba Local Government Area, with critical air support provided by the Nigerian Air Force.
Jidda, identified as the ISWAP leader for Ngorgore and Malumti villages, was reportedly killed in a direct confrontation with government forces. “He was neutralised during a fierce firefight, where troops demonstrated superior firepower,” the army stated.
Further operations conducted in the Timbuktu Triangle region resulted in the ambush and killing of more militants, while others fled with injuries. The military believes that many of the fleeing fighters may succumb to their wounds or be apprehended in follow-up operations.
In a related offensive in the Mallamfatori region of Abadam LGA, troops discovered additional dead insurgents along with a significant stockpile of weapons, including assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, ammunition, motorcycles, and communications equipment.
The Nigerian Army hailed the success as part of an intensified effort to dismantle remaining ISWAP and Boko Haram strongholds in the North-East.
“These renewed offensives are a testament to the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency operations and the resolve of our forces to restore lasting peace to the region,” the statement added.
Despite ongoing military campaigns, ISWAP remains active in northern Nigeria, exploiting rural areas and porous borders to stage attacks on security forces and civilians. The Nigerian government continues to partner with regional and international allies to tackle the decade-long insurgency.
