ISWAP names Abu Ameer as Pulka camp leader after commander’s death

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has appointed a new commander for its Pulka camp in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State following the neutralisation of its former leader, Modu Kundiri.

Intelligence sources revealed that the insurgent group designated Abu Ameer as the new Qa’id (commander) of the Pulka camp on the evening of March 11, 2026, in what analysts say is an effort to maintain operational continuity despite recent losses.

Kundiri had served as the senior commander of the group’s Pulka camp, a key operational hub located in southern Borno near the borders with Adamawa State and Cameroon.

Security sources say Pulka occupies a strategic position in the insurgency landscape due to its proximity to cross-border routes linking Borno with Adamawa and neighbouring Cameroon. The area has historically served as a transit corridor for insurgent fighters, logistics supplies and communications networks operating across the region.

Further intelligence intercepted on March 11 indicated that fighters loyal to the group are still present in Ngalta village, located between Pulka in Gwoza LGA and Madagali Local Government Area in Adamawa State.

The information reportedly emerged during internal exchanges among insurgent members, where a fighter identified as Konto informed another member, Manya, about the continued presence of militants in the area.

Security analysts say the conversations suggest that despite losing key commanders, the group still maintains operational cells and surveillance elements along the Pulka–Ngalta–Madagali corridor.

The continued presence of fighters in Ngalta village indicates that insurgents may still retain limited operational capability along the Borno–Adamawa border axis, with such locations often serving as temporary regrouping points or staging areas.

Experts say the development highlights the need for sustained intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations across the corridor.

They also emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and community intelligence networks to detect insurgent movements.

The development comes as Nigerian troops continue ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling ISWAP strongholds and restoring stability in communities across the North-East.