Army Neutralises Top ISWAP Commander Modu Kunduli, Sparks Tension in Terrorist Camps

Tension has reportedly gripped camps linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province following the killing of one of its top commanders, Modu Kunduli, by troops of the Nigerian Army during a recent military operation in northeastern Nigeria.

The development was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared details of the operation in a report posted on the social media platform X on Wednesday.

According to the report, troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI neutralised the insurgent commander following a failed assault by terrorists on an Army Forward Operating Base located in Mayanti village in Bama Local Government Area.

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Sources familiar with the operation indicated that the insurgents attempted to launch an attack on the military formation but were met with strong resistance from the troops stationed at the base. During the confrontation, the troops reportedly engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, leading to the death of Kunduli.

Security experts believe the killing of the insurgent commander represents a major operational setback for the militant group, which has been active in several parts of Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to Makama, Kunduli had played a central role in coordinating attacks across Borno State and Adamawa State over the past decade.

His involvement in insurgent activities dates back to the period when the extremist group was still under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau.

Reports suggest that Kunduli later joined the Islamic State West Africa Province after the death of Shekau in 2021, when factions within the insurgent movement reorganised and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State network.

Analysts say his elimination is expected to disrupt the command structure of ISWAP and weaken its ability to coordinate attacks across communities in the North-East.

Makama noted that the death of the militant commander has reportedly caused panic and uncertainty within several ISWAP camps operating in the region.

“The elimination of Kunduli represents a significant blow to the group’s operational capabilities,” the security expert stated, noting that the insurgent leader had been instrumental in planning attacks and maintaining communication between various terrorist cells.

Military sources also disclosed that troops have continued to intensify operations in the area following the encounter.

According to the report, security forces are currently conducting clearance operations and aggressive patrols across surrounding communities and forest areas to prevent any regrouping by fleeing insurgents.

The Nigerian military has in recent months stepped up counter-insurgency operations across several parts of the North-East as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace to the region.

Residents in communities around the conflict zones have frequently reported increased troop movements and surveillance activities aimed at preventing attacks by insurgent groups.

Although the military authorities are yet to issue an official statement detailing the operation, security observers say the neutralisation of the high-profile commander could weaken the insurgents’ operational strength in the region.

The North-East has remained the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria for more than a decade, with militant groups carrying out attacks on military formations, communities and infrastructure.

However, security forces say continued military pressure and intelligence-driven operations are gradually degrading the capabilities of insurgent groups operating within the region.

Authorities maintain that operations under Operation HADIN KAI will continue until terrorist activities are completely dismantled and stability is restored across affected communities.