ISWAP: Crisis hits terrorists’ camp as Abu Dawud overthrows Abba-Gana to emerge new leader 

There is currently crisis in the camp of the Shura (consultation) Council of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) following the emergence of Abu Dawud as its new leader.

Amir Abba-Gana was edged out in what appeared to be coup d’etat at Tumbum Kayowa.

According to Daily Post, Abba-Gana assumed the position after the execution of Ba’a Idirisa on February 9, 2019. The deceased succeeded Abu-Mossad Albarnawee after infighting.

Idirisa and Albarnawee are biological children of the late Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf.

Abba-Gana was removed for the “biased” installation of Aliyu Chakkar as the new “Governor of Lake Chad”. Chakkar replaced Goni Maina, a former ISWAP commander.

The disagreement led to a bloody battle between supporters of the factional “Governors”. Dozens of insurgents died on both sides, PRNigeria reports.

Before the decision on Abu Dawud’s elevation was reached, Goni Mustapha acted as ISWAP Shura Leader and Chief Imam for three weeks.

The council was also not comfortable that lately under Abba-Gana’s leadership, some territories were lost after sequential attacks by the Nigerian military and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) troops.