10 Notable ISWAP Commanders Nigerian Military Says It Has Killed Since 2016
The Nigerian military has announced the killing of several senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) since the group emerged from Boko Haram in 2016. Some of the reported deaths involved top leaders, battlefield commanders and members of its decision-making structure.
The latest announcement came on November 2, 2026, when the Nigerian Army said troops had killed four senior ISWAP commanders during operations in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Those identified included Abu Hajara, a member of the group’s Shura Council, and Abul Walid, described as a close associate of its leader, Ba Shuwa.
The operation followed another military offensive in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, where troops reportedly killed 55 insurgents, including several commanders.
However, these announcements are part of a longer history of military operations targeting ISWAP’s leadership.
Here are 10 notable commanders whose deaths have been reported since the group emerged in 2016.
10 ISWAP commanders killed in military operations
1. Abu Musab al-Barnawi (2021)
Abu Musab al-Barnawi was one of the most prominent figures in ISWAP and served as its leader after the group separated from Abubakar Shekau’s Boko Haram faction.
In October 2021, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, confirmed his death, saying the Islamic State leader was dead.
However, the military did not provide detailed circumstances surrounding his death. <Cite refs={[“turn458718search11″,”turn988913search0”]}/>
2. Bukar Gana Fitchmeram (2021)
Also known as Abu Aisha, Bukar Gana Fitchmeram was identified as a senior ISWAP commander.
Nigerian troops reportedly killed him on April 15, 2021, during an encounter in Damasak, Borno State, after he and other fighters attempted to attack military positions. <Cite refs={[“turn458718search1”]}/>
3. Abu Fatima (2025)
Abu Fatima was a high-ranking ISWAP commander responsible for coordinating attacks in northern Borno, particularly around the Baga axis.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed him alongside two of his lieutenants in Aleru village, Kukawa Local Government Area, in May 2025.
He reportedly had a ₦100 million bounty on his head. <Cite refs={[“turn458718search6”]}/>
4. Ya Muhammad (2025)
Ya Muhammad, also known as Ameer Fiya of Garno, was among the ISWAP commanders reportedly killed during a failed attack on Damboa in June 2025.
Security sources said he was among the commanders leading the assault before Nigerian troops and the Air Force repelled the attack. <Cite refs={[“turn458718search5”]}/>
5. Abou Dawuda (2025)
Abou Dawuda was another prominent ISWAP commander reportedly killed alongside Ya Muhammad during the June 2025 operation in Damboa.
His death was reported by security sources familiar with the operation. <Cite refs={[“turn458718search5”]}/>
6. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki (2026)
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, was a senior Islamic State commander with significant influence over ISWAP’s operations.
He was killed during a joint Nigerian-American operation announced on May 16, 2026.
The United States described him as the director of global operations for ISIS, while Nigerian authorities linked him to the group’s financial, media and weapons operations. <Cite refs={[“turn988913search1″,”turn988913search6″,”turn988913search9”]}/>
7. Abd-al Wahhab (2026)
Abd-al Wahhab was among three senior ISWAP figures Nigerian and US forces reportedly killed during another wave of joint operations in May 2026.
The Nigerian military described him as responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda activities for the group. <Cite refs={[“turn988913search4”]}/>
8. Abu Musa al-Mangawi (2026)
Abu Musa al-Mangawi was another senior operative identified among those killed during the May 2026 joint military operations.
His death was announced alongside those of Abd-al Wahhab and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir. <Cite refs={[“turn988913search4”]}/>
9. Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir (2026)
Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir reportedly oversaw media production and propaganda activities within ISWAP.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters identified him among the senior commanders killed during the joint operations with US forces. <Cite refs={[“turn988913search4”]}/>
10. Abu Hajara (2026)
Abu Hajara was identified by the Nigerian military as a member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, its senior decision-making body.
Troops reportedly killed him during the October 31, 2026, operation in Kukawa, Borno State. Abul Walid, another senior commander, was also named among those killed.
The military said the operation followed an attack on its positions near Lake Chad. <Cite refs={[“turn988913search3″,”turn988913search7”]}/>
Why ISWAP continues to operate despite leadership losses
The deaths of senior commanders have not ended ISWAP’s insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.
The group has continued to attack military formations and communities across Borno and neighbouring areas, sometimes overrunning military positions and seizing equipment.
One reason is its organisational structure. ISWAP has relied on a Shura Council and a network of regional commanders, allowing it to maintain operations despite the loss of prominent figures.
Its ability to replace fallen commanders has also complicated military efforts to dismantle the organisation.
Consequently, the killing of senior figures represents a setback for the group but does not necessarily translate into the end of its operational capacity.