“TAKEN OUT”: NEW LEADER OF ISIL-LINKED GROUP KILLED, NIGERIAN OFFICIAL SAYS

Fri 22 October 2021:

According to a senior security official, Nigerian security forces have killed the new commander of an ISIL (ISIS)-linked group blamed for the deaths of hundreds in Nigeria and neighboring West African countries.

Malam Bako, who just succeeded Abu Musab al-Barnawi as leader of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), was “taken out” by forces early this week, according to Nigeria’s national security adviser Babagana Monguno.

The Nigerian military recently announced that about 6,000 fighters have so far surrendered following Shekau’s death in June this year.

IS has also tried to capitalise on Shekau’s death by launching a significant recruitment drive and gaining more Boko Haram-held territories, especially within the Sambisa forest.

Bako’s death could not be independently verified, and ISWAP did not respond immediately. Following the Nigerian military’s declaration last week that al-Barnawi had been slain, this development would be another major setback for ISWAP.

According to the United Nations Development Program, the violence has claimed the lives of 350,000 people, with 314,000 of them dying as a result of indirect causes.

(with agency)

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