The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has appointed Abu Khalifa as its new commander in the Timbuktu Triangle following the killing of its former leader, Julaibib, during a Nigerian military operation in Borno State.
The appointment comes after troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised Julaibib in the Kimba axis of Damboa Local Government Area, a development that forced the terror group to swiftly reorganise its command structure.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed on Monday that the decision was taken after internal consultations within the ISWAP leadership. Intelligence sources confirmed that Abu Khalifa has been handed command of the strategically important Timbuktu Triangle to replace the slain leader.
“Intelligence revealed that Abu Khalifa has been named as the new ISWAP commander in the Timbuktu Triangle to replace Julaibib,” a security source said.
Sources further revealed that the group is yet to appoint an official second-in-command. However, a senior fighter identified as Tuja is reportedly being considered by ISWAP operatives as the leading candidate for the deputy commander position.
The leadership shake-up comes amid sustained military offensives by Nigerian troops against ISWAP and Boko Haram strongholds across the southern Borno axis. Security forces have intensified operations in recent weeks, targeting terrorist camps and supply routes in an effort to weaken the insurgents’ operational capacity.
The Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious enclave within the Lake Chad region, has long served as a strategic hub for terrorist activities, making leadership changes within the group closely monitored by security agencies.
