Troops Kill ISWAP Commander Involved In Attack On Boko Haram, Shekau

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

The development was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on security issues in the Lake Chad region.

According to Zagazola, 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 incident.

Gorgore, believed to be about 60 years old, was regarded as one of the longest-serving figures within the insurgent group.

Over the years, he reportedly held several strategic positions, including membership of ISWAP’s Shura council, the group’s highest decision-making body.

He had previously been reported killed in 2022 alongside another senior ISWAP commander, Aba Ibrahim.

In May 2021, Gorgore and Ibrahim were said to have led a major offensive against a rival Boko Haram faction known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad.

The operation resulted in the death of the faction’s leader, Abubakar Shekau.

Following the incident, about 17 of Shekau’s commanders reportedly surrendered and pledged allegiance to ISWAP.

Zagazola said the killing of Gorgore could affect the leadership structure of the insurgent group.

“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 the insurgency in the Lake Chad region has historically relied on experienced commanders capable of navigating difficult terrain and maintaining loyalty among fighters.

“The death of a veteran figure like Gorgore weakens institutional memory within the insurgent network and may also trigger internal power struggles as younger commanders compete to fill the vacuum,” he said.