According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, sources said the terrorists were neutralised during a recent attack on Damboa town.

The insurgents, who were leading fighters in the attack, were hit by missiles from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Muhammad, known as the Ameer Fiya of Garno, was among the five ISWAP commanders leading the assault.

He was said to have 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, his attempts to regroup with more fighters were foiled when he was struck by another air strike from the Operation Hadin Kai’s air component.

His corpse was reportedly found later by colleagues, 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.

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