A top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) named Abu Hassan was killed during a botched assault on Cross Kauwa in Borno State, security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed on X on Sunday. He cited intelligence sources who provided details of the operation.
Abu Hassan held the rank of Qaid within ISWAP and operated from the Tumbunma axis before his death in the failed attack. He was among the senior commanders who spearheaded the assault on Cross Kauwa but fell during the clash.
An unnamed foreign fighter of Arab descent also perished in the operation, intelligence sources revealed. Another ISWAP leader, Aliyi Zabarmari, who directed fighters from Tumbunma during the same operation, sustained a gunshot wound that fractured his thigh.
A third unidentified Arab fighter went missing following the unsuccessful attack, according to the report. Security officials characterised the outcome as a significant blow to the terrorist organisation.
Those killed and wounded were pivotal field commanders who orchestrated militant operations across the Lake Chad region, sources noted. The loss of these experienced fighters represents a major operational setback for ISWAP, which has faced mounting pressure from Nigerian and regional forces in recent months.
