Nigerian military commanders claim to have killed local Iswap leader in recent air strike

NIGERIAN military commanders are claiming to have killed the leader of the terrorist sect the Islamic State West African Province (Iswap) Sheikh Sani Shuwaram in a recent air strike out in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sheikh Shuwaram, 45, was installed as the new Iswap leader in the Lake Chad region by its Shuwa judicial council on November last year. According to the Nigerian military, however, he was one of the terrorists recently killed when Nigerian Air Force (Naf) Super Tucano jets rained missiles on a number if Iswap hideouts.

It is reported that Sheikh Shuwaram reportedly died from gunshot wounds sustained in the strikes that hit his camp in the Sabon Tumbun area near Lake Chad. Naf director of public relations, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said air and ground troops have continued a military offensive around Kirta Wulgo.

Air Commodore Gabkwet added: “We don’t want to be dragged into making any statement or confirmation based on rumours or hearsay. Nevertheless, troops at the frontline alongside other agencies have sustained strikes against terrorist leaders and their enclaves until we get this job done.”

Apart from Sheikh Shuwaram, several other terrorists were said to have been killed by the Naf air strikes at Sabon Tumbun near Kirta Wulgo. One military source added that Iswap commanded Abu Ibrahim, is among those who were injured during the air strike.