JUJU FAILED? Jubilations As Soldiers Kill Powerful Terrorists Spiritual Leader, Other Notorious Foot Soldiers In Borno
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Friday, September 7, that troops successfully eliminated an influential Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) spiritual leader, Goni Sanda, along with several other terrorists in Borno state. This development was part of the ongoing military efforts to combat insurgency across the region. The information was shared by Major- General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, during an update in Abuja regarding the recent military actions.
ISWAP, a faction that splintered from Boko Haram, has established connections with the larger international terrorist group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The Nigerian military has been actively engaged in operations to curb the activities of these insurgent groups, and in the past week, the armed forces reported significant successes. Troops killed a total of 152 terrorists, captured 109 others, and rescued 91 individuals who had been held hostage across different parts of the country. Among these victories, the death of Goni Sanda was particularly notable, sparking celebrations among officers loyal to the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF).
In particular, troops involved in ‘ Operation Hadin Kai, ‘ focusing on the northeastern region, neutralized 63 terrorists and arrested 38 suspects. In addition, 35 hostages who had been kidnapped by insurgents were freed. The operation also led to the recovery of a substantial stockpile of arms and ammunition, further weakening the operational capabilities of these violent groups.
ISWAP, like its counterpart Boko Haram, has long been known for its brutal tactics. Over time, ISWAP has grown to become the more dominant faction, engaging in guerrilla warfare against the Nigerian military while simultaneously asserting control over certain areas of Borno state. In these regions, the group has attempted to gain some level of acceptance by offering essential services such as water, healthcare, and security to local populations, all while collecting taxes to fund its operations.
A report released in 2019 by Crisis Group, a non- governmental organization, indicated that ISWAP’ s strategy resulted in a noticeable reduction in civilian casualties in the northeast, while military fatalities saw a rise between 2018 and 2019. This shift in tactics reflects the group’ s evolving approach, focusing more on direct engagements with security forces while trying to win over local populations in areas it controls.
Despite ISWAP’ s attempts to present itself as an alternative authority in certain regions, its brutal methods and association with global terror networks continue to make it a significant threat to peace and stability in Nigeria. The military’ s recent successes, including the elimination of key leaders like Goni Sanda, represent crucial steps in the ongoing fight to restore security and stability to the affected regions.
