Islamic State West Africa Province
Coverage of Islamic State West Africa Province in the Nexus archive.
- Nigerian Army declares 104 soldiers missing, says they ‘absconded,’ are ‘deserters’
The Nigerian Army declared 104 soldiers missing, labeling them as 'absconded' and 'deserters' following an overnight attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents on their base on 5 June. The attack targeted the soldiers at their military post.
- Nigeria: Top Boko Haram, Iswap Commanders Surrender As Troops Intensify Operations Against Terrorists in North-East
Top Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders have surrendered to Nigerian troops following intensified military operations in the North-East. The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, reported this breakthrough in their counter-terrorism campaign.
- Nigeria: ISWAP Commanders Clash in Timbuktu Triangle, Several Fighters Feared Dead
A violent internal clash occurred between rival commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Timbuktu Triangle, resulting in several fighters feared dead, according to intelligence sources.
- Armed group kidnaps 39 people during negotiations in northwestern Nigeria
Armed group kidnaps 39 people during negotiations with parents of a suspected bandit leader in northwestern Nigeria's Magamin Diddi community. The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, where armed groups conduct kidnappings and clashes with militants like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province persist.
- The Nigerian army frees 360 abducted people in northeastern Borno state
The Nigerian army freed 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in southern Borno state's Mandara mountains. Two infants died during the rescue due to harsh conditions, while the remaining abductees were evacuated for medical care. The operation is described as a major setback for the militant group.
- The Nigerian army frees 360 abducted people in northeastern Borno state
The Nigerian army freed 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in southern Borno's Mandara mountains. Two infants died during the rescue, and the operation is described as a setback for the militants. The security crisis in northern Nigeria involves Boko Haram and its IS-affiliated faction, ISWAP, with a recent joint US-Nigeria operation killing 175 ISWAP fighters.
- Nigerian court sentences four men to death over 2022 Catholic church attack
A Nigerian federal court sentenced four men to death for their roles in a 2022 attack on a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State, which killed at least 50 people, including children. The defendants were convicted of terrorism and linked to al-Shabab, while a fifth defendant was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
- Experts warn terrorism threat is rising in Africa as US pulls back
Experts warn of a rising terrorism threat in Africa, with al-Qaida and Islamic State affiliates like Al Shabaab and ISWAP gaining capabilities through technology and expanding operations. The U.S. has reduced its military presence in Africa by 75% while focusing counterterrorism efforts on Somalia and Nigeria.
- ISIS terror leader at large after US strike kills top commander amid rising Africa threat: analyst
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS's shadow commander in West Africa, was killed in a US strike, dealing a significant blow to the group's global network, but top leader Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi remains at large. The killing disrupts operations in northeastern Nigeria and highlights Africa's growing importance as a hub for terrorist activity. Despite this success, the region's security situation remains volatile.