By Abraham Olatunbosun
There are unconfirmed reports that air strikes by NAF aircraft under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) might have led to the death of Sani Shuwaram, ISWAP leader or Wali and others.
According to local sources, Shuwaram was among terrorists injured by NAF air interdiction missions conducted at Sabon Tumbuns near Kirta Wulgo on 7 Feb 22.
Subsequent strikes by NAF aircraft in the following days may have led to his eventual death alongside several other ISWAP leaders and followers.
The ISWAP leader was until his death reportedly receiving treatment in an undisclosed location.
There are also rumours that one Mallam Bako Gorgore is now the new Wali of ISWAP.
To further buttress the report of the death of Shuwaram, other sources have noted that an ISWAP video released on 15 March 2022, showed an ISWAP member believed to be using the alias, ‘Okasha’ stating that indeed some of their key members were eliminated including Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi.
He however did not mention the name of ISWAP leader, Sani Shuwaram.
It is thus likely that Shuwaram may have died before the 15 March 2022.
Lately, ISWAP have been cautious in hurriedly announcing killed members, probably to enable them quickly appoint a leader.
When contacted, NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet confirmed that NAF aircraft have continued to conduct strikes within the Lake Chad Region and the Tumbuns, especially close to Kirta Wulgo in Marte LGA, but showed no excitement about the unconfirmed report which he described as mere rumour with no concrete proof or fact.
According to him, “Agreed we have had the upper hand against terrorists and insurgents.
“The NAF will however NOT be dragged into making any statement or confirmation based on rumours or heresays.
‘Our troops at the frontline alongside other agencies will continue to strike at the hearts of terrorists leaders and enclaves until we get this job done”.
If confirmed to be true eventually, the killing of Sani Shuwaram, the 6th Wali of ISWAP eliminated by Nigerian troops, barely months after his appointment, will have a devastating and traumatic effect on the minds of the terrorists.
Irrespective of the veracity of the unconfirmed report, what is very obvious is that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have increased their efforts towards ensuring that peace is restored to the North East.
