Senior ISWAP leader linked to Shekau’s death killed by troops in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Bako Gorgore, during a military operation in Borno State.

According to counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, Gorgore—also known as Abou Mustapha—was killed during an encounter with troops in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

His death was reportedly confirmed through multiple intelligence sources after security operatives intercepted internal communications among ISWAP fighters acknowledging the loss.

Gorgore, believed to be about 60 years old, was considered one of the longest-serving figures within Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Over the years, he held several strategic roles within the group, including membership of its Shura council, the insurgents’ highest decision-making body.

The commander had previously been reported dead in 2022 alongside another senior figure, Aba Ibrahim, though both were later believed to have survived at the time.

In May 2021, Gorgore and Ibrahim led a major offensive against a rival faction of Boko Haram known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).

The operation eventually led to the death of the faction’s longtime leader, Abubakar Shekau. Following the incident, about 17 of Shekau’s commanders reportedly surrendered and pledged allegiance to ISWAP.

Makama said Gorgore’s death could have significant implications for the insurgent group’s leadership structure and operational cohesion.

“The confirmed killing of Gorgore could have important implications for the leadership cohesion of ISWAP. As a senior Shura member with deep operational experience dating back to the early Boko Haram years, his removal potentially disrupts command continuity within the group,” he said.

He added that insurgent groups operating in the Lake Chad region often rely heavily on experienced commanders capable of navigating difficult terrain and maintaining loyalty among fighters.

According to him, the death of a veteran figure like Gorgore could weaken the group’s institutional memory and potentially trigger internal power struggles among younger commanders seeking to fill the leadership vacuum.