Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed a senior commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), identified as Bako Gorgore.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, Gorgore — also known as Abou Mustapha — died during a confrontation with troops in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
His death was reportedly verified through intelligence sources after security operatives intercepted communications among ISWAP fighters confirming the development.
Gorgore, believed to be around 60 years old, was considered one of the longest-serving members within the insurgent organisation.
Over time, he held several strategic roles in the group, including membership of ISWAP’s Shura council, its top decision-making body.
The commander had previously been declared dead in 2022 along with Aba Ibrahim, another senior member of the group.
In May 2021, Gorgore and Ibrahim reportedly led an offensive against the rival faction of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a breakaway group linked to Boko Haram.
That operation ultimately resulted in the death of Abubakar Shekau, who had long led the JAS faction. Following Shekau’s death, about 17 of his commanders reportedly surrendered and pledged allegiance to ISWAP.
Zagazola said the killing of Gorgore could affect the internal structure and leadership stability of the insurgent group.
“The confirmed killing of Gorgore could have important implications for the leadership cohesion of ISWAP. As a senior Shura member with deep operational experience dating back to the early Boko Haram years, his removal potentially disrupts command continuity within the group,” it said.
“The insurgency in the Lake Chad region has historically depended on experienced commanders capable of navigating the complex terrain and maintaining loyalty among fighters.
“The death of a veteran figure like Gorgore weakens institutional memory within the insurgent network and may also trigger internal power struggles as younger commanders compete to fill the vacuum.”
