ISWAP leader orders Shura council member’s execution over defiance

The Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, has reportedly executed a senior member of its Shura Council on the orders of its Wali, Baa Shuwa, after accusing him of repeatedly disobeying directives.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the victim, identified as Yaa Saleh, was the group’s Zakkah Amir responsible for parts of the Gudumbali, Kareto and Gubio axis.

Yaa Saleh, reportedly an indigene of Banki, was accused of repeatedly disregarding instructions from Baa Shuwa before his execution.

The dispute reportedly escalated within the group and was preceded by the deaths of three other prominent ISWAP fighters in the area.

“Yaa Saleh was accused of repeatedly disregarding directives from the ISWAP Wali,” Makama said.

Makama said the development comes amid reported efforts by Baa Shuwa to tighten control over ISWAP’s command structure in the Lake Chad area.

In a separate leadership reshuffle, Yaku Abu Adam, described as the group’s most senior Buduma commander, was reportedly moved into a senior Jaish leadership position, effectively making him a deputy in the group’s operational structure.

His former deputy, Abubakar Bashihuba, reportedly took over his previous responsibilities among Buduma-dominated enclaves, while Yaku’s chief bodyguard, Mal Haruna, was appointed to a senior command position under Bashihuba.

Makama said security sources believe the changes may be linked to concerns over Yaku’s reported vulnerability to defection or surrender and may be aimed at keeping the influential commander within ISWAP’s leadership structure.