The Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, has reportedly executed four members of its Shura Council amid an internal leadership crisis.
Security expert Zagazola Makama said in a statement posted on X that the four senior members were arrested by ISWAP elements last week and allegedly executed by Ba Shuwa, described as a senior figure in the group.
The reported executions took place at ISWAP’s Kwatan Dila enclave, according to Makama.
He said the four council members were detained amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the organisation, although the specific allegations against them could not be independently established.
Makama said the development points to growing internal disagreements and factional tensions within the group operating in the Lake Chad region.
He added that the executions had raised concerns about internal purges and the consolidation of authority by rival commanders.
“The development also comes against the backdrop of intensified military operations targeting terrorist leadership structures,” Makama said.
“The incident could have significant implications for ISWAP’s command structure, particularly if other senior commanders and members of the Shura Council perceive the executions as evidence of a broader internal purge.”
Makama said the Shura Council traditionally plays an important role in the decision-making structure of terrorist organisations, including in leadership, operations, administration and resource management.
He said the reported executions could further weaken cohesion within ISWAP’s senior command structure.
According to Makama, security agencies are closely monitoring the development as part of efforts to understand and exploit internal fractures within the group.
He added that the reported divisions could create opportunities for security forces to encourage defections, surrenders and intelligence disclosures.
