The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly shut down its “hijrah” migration routes for foreign fighters, acknowledging that traditional entry corridors into Nigeria have become too perilous due to relentless operations by United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian forces.
Intelligence sources disclosed to security analyst Zagazola Makama that the once-critical routes, which facilitated the movement of fighters, weapons, and supplies into insurgent-held territories, are now effectively blocked. Analysts say the closures mark a severe blow to ISWAP’s operational and logistical capabilities.
“This development is not just a tactical setback; it disrupts recruitment, supply chains, and overall planning for the group,” a security source explained.
The announcement comes amid an intensified intelligence-led campaign targeting ISWAP’s command structures and logistics across Borno State and the wider Lake Chad region. The operations, which began on May 15, 2026, have reportedly dismantled multiple insurgent strongholds and neutralized key leadership figures.
Most notably, senior ISWAP commander Abubakar Mainok, also known as Abu Bilal Al-Mainuki, who oversaw operations spanning Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, was killed along with several aides. Among the casualties were Abu Huraira, a key operational commander; Ba Yuram, in charge of logistics and weapons procurement; and Mallam Haruna, Mainok’s chief security aide.
“The loss goes beyond a single commander; it disrupts an entire command ecosystem responsible for planning, logistics, and operational coordination,” a source told Makama.
Key Strikes and Tactical Gains
Air and ground operations have hit major insurgent enclaves around Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area, including Garin Abu Bilal (Sahel), Garin Ba Bunu, Satir-Kanama, and Kwatan Fulani.
Garin Abu Bilal (Sahel): Mainok and three foreign fighters were neutralized; nine prominent operatives killed and five vehicles carrying weapons and supplies destroyed.
Garin Ba Bunu: Coordinator of ISWAP’s taxation network and 26 fighters eliminated; an insurgent learning centre destroyed.
Satir-Kanama: Six insurgents killed; logistics warehouse destroyed, including motorcycles and repair equipment, crippling mobility.
Kwatan Fulani: Two fighting vehicles destroyed; three fighters killed; over 30 shops, including fuel and food depots, demolished, severely disrupting local supply chains.
A precision strike at Arege in Kukawa Local Government Area eliminated 21 fighters, including three mid-level commanders orchestrating raids into Monguno and Damasak. Retired Colonel Timothy Antigha, of the Defence Ministry Media Team, confirmed that the operation relied on intelligence fused with AFRICOM satellite and signals data.
“Arege is a key hub for fuel, food, and ammunition moving into the Sambisa and Mandara corridors. Its neutralisation disrupts logistics, recruitment, and command operations simultaneously,” Antigha said.
The campaign has forced ISWAP fighters to abandon traditional island sanctuaries, leaving them vulnerable to surveillance and further strikes. Leadership succession within the group has been destabilized, with reports that senior commander Ba’a Shuwa is hesitant to assume broader authority following Mainok’s death.
According to Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, 175 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters have been killed since operations began on May 17. The DHQ described Mainok’s elimination as “the single most consequential counterterrorism outcome in the North East Theatre since Operation HADIN KAI began.”
The operations represent a major escalation in US-Nigeria military cooperation. President Donald Trump confirmed the killing of Mainok on May 16, 2026, describing him as a top Islamic State leader in Nigeria.
Security analysts say the joint campaign demonstrates to militants that American and Nigerian forces have shifted from training and advisory roles to direct, intelligence-driven action.
Major-General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, affirmed that the joint operations will continue to “hunt down and destroy those who threaten national and regional stability.”
Cautious Optimism
While the strikes have dealt ISWAP a severe blow, analysts caution that the group remains capable and adaptive. Some enclaves across the Lake Chad region remain active, and tensions between ISWAP and Boko Haram could trigger new security threats, particularly against civilians, according to the Nextier policy think tank.
Security experts agree that although ISWAP’s traditional routes are closed, continued vigilance and coordinated operations are critical to preventing the group from regrouping.
