The Nigerian Army has neutralised Ya Muhammad and Abou Dawuda, two top commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Zagazola, a counterinsurgency expert, said, “The terrorists had launched an attack on Damboa Town but were repelled by the Nigerian army and the Nigerian Air Force troops through aerial bombardments and on the ground.”

The terrorists, who were leading fighters in the attack, were hit during the NAF’s strike targeting their position. Ya Muhammad, recognised as the A meer Fiya of Garno, was among the five ISWAP commanders reportedly leading the assault.

Following the airstrikes, it was gathered that he initially escaped with two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), which he hid in the Bula Bukarti forest after two other fighters were neutralised under his command.

However, according to Zagazola, “attempts by Ya Muhammad to regroup with more fighters were cut short when he was struck by another airstrike from the Operation Hadin Kai’s air component.”

His corpse was reportedly found later by fellow terrorists, marking a significant blow to the insurgent group. The late commander was closely associated with other notable ISWAP leaders, including Abu Ayuba, Abu Khalid and Ameer Sarki.

His death has reportedly plunged the terrorists into mourning, signifying his prominence in orchestrating attacks within Borno and Yobe states.

Ya Muhammad was believed to have masterminded several attacks on locations such as Wajiroko, Sabon Gari, and Damboa.