A field commander of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) identified as Kiriku has reportedly died in Borno State.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region revealed that Kiriku died three days after sustaining a snake bite injury.
The terrorist commander sustained the injury in one of ISWAP’s enclave in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Kiriku, who was said to have been attacked by the deadly snake on Tuesday, gave up the ghost on Friday.
Makama said the ISWAP commander’s inability to access treatment led to his death.
Meanwhile, before his death, Kiriku operated within the Jiddari axis of Chiralia in the Timbuktu triangle — a Boko Haram/SWAP stronghold.
The Timbuktu triangle stretches over four LGAs in Borno —Damboa, Jere, Kaga, Konduga— and Gujba LGA in Yobe state.
Kiruku was said to have masterminded many attacks and ambushes against troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno.
In another successful operation, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed six ISWAP fighters in Banki town.
Zagazola Makama said the terrorists were eliminated by the special forces in collaboration with the civilian joint task force (CJTF).
They were killed on Thursday in an ambush near Bula Yobe and Darajamal road, Bama LGA of Borno.
The terrorists were said to be responsible for making and planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs)