Nigerian military forces have successfully neutralized two prominent Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders, identified as Ya Muhammad and Abou Dawuda, during a significant counter-terrorism operation in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. This development marks a considerable success for the Nigerian troops in their ongoing efforts against insurgency in the region.

The operation unfolded when the ISWAP terrorists, with Ya Muhammad and Abou Dawuda reportedly among the leaders, launched an attack on Damboa town. Their offensive was met with a robust response from the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The combined forces effectively repelled the attack through a series of coordinated aerial bombardments and ground engagements, leading to the neutralization of the key terrorist figures.

Ya Muhammad, a particularly notorious figure within ISWAP, held the title of "Ameer Fiya of Garno." He was reportedly one of five commanders spearheading the assault on Damboa. His role underscored his importance within the terrorist organization's operational hierarchy in the area.

Following the initial air strikes by the NAF which targeted the insurgents' positions, Ya Muhammad initially managed to evade capture. During this phase of the engagement, two other fighters under his direct command were neutralized. Sources indicate that he escaped with two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), which he subsequently hid in the Bula Bukarti forest, likely intending to use them in future operations.

However, Ya Muhammad's attempts to regroup with other fighters and continue his activities were short-lived. He was later targeted and struck by another precise air strike conducted by the Operation Hadin Kai’s air component. His corpse was subsequently found by his fellow insurgents, confirming his death and the success of the military's follow-up actions.

While much of the detailed reporting focused on Ya Muhammad, Abou Dawuda was also confirmed as a top ISWAP commander neutralized during the same engagement in Damboa. His death, alongside Muhammad's, further compounds the leadership losses for the terrorist group in this operation.

Intelligence reports indicate that Ya Muhammad was a well-connected operative within ISWAP, maintaining close associations with other notable leaders such as Abu Ayuba, Abu Khalid, and Ameer Sarki. He was also believed to be the mastermind behind several prior attacks on various locations, including Wajiroko, Sabon Gari, and Damboa town itself, highlighting his strategic importance to the group's violent campaigns.

The neutralization of Ya Muhammad and Abou Dawuda is considered a significant blow to ISWAP's operational capabilities and morale. Reports suggest that Ya Muhammad's death, in particular, has caused considerable disarray and mourning among the terrorists, signifying his prominent status and his critical role in planning and executing attacks not only in Borno State but also extending into Yobe State.

This information was largely attributed to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication and expert specializing in the Lake Chad region, who provided insights into the operation and the identities of the neutralized commanders. The successful operation underscores the continued efforts by Nigerian security forces to degrade the capabilities of terrorist groups operating in the north-east.