ISWAP overhauls command structure after battlefield losses

The Islamic State West Africa Province is reorganising its command and leadership hierarchy following significant battlefield losses in recent months, with intelligence sources indicating the shake-up was directed by the group’s central leadership linked to the ISIS network in the Iraq-Syria axis.

Sources told this publication that sustained military pressure has degraded ISWAP’s operational capacity and weakened its leadership cohesion, prompting the overhaul across several fronts in the North-East.

According to the sources, intensified air and ground offensives have led to the elimination of key fighters and a disruption of the group’s command structure, forcing a comprehensive review of its leadership arrangements.

The restructuring is expected to involve major leadership changes, including a possible replacement of the current factional leader, Ba Shuwa, whose continued hold on the position is reportedly under review following recent operational failures.

The status of another prominent commander, Abor Mainok, remains unclear amid the ongoing shake-up, raising concerns about internal disarray within the group’s hierarchy.

The sources further disclosed that Habib Yusuf, also known as Abu Musab al-Barnawi, has not featured in recent internal communications, reinforcing long-standing indications that he has been inactive within the organisation for some time.

The overhaul is aimed at restoring command effectiveness, re-establishing control over dispersed fighters, and repositioning the group after its recent losses, the sources said.

Intelligence gathering is ongoing to determine the full extent of the leadership changes and their potential impact on ISWAP’s operational strategy.