Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed a dreaded senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), known as Bako Gorgore.
The death of Gorgore, according to Zagazola, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, was confirmed through multiple intelligence channels after security operatives intercepted internal communications among ISWAP fighters acknowledging the development.
It was further gathered that Bako Gorgore, believed to be about 60 years old and who was also known as Abou Mustapha, was killed during an encounter with troops in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno state.
His death
The late ISWAP commander was regarded as one of the longest-serving figures within the insurgent group and who for some years, held several key positions, including senior membership of ISWAP’s Shura council, which is the group’s highest decision-making body.
Gorgore was previously reported dead in 2022 alongside Aba Ibrahim, who was also a senior ISWAP figure.
In May 2021, Gorgore and Ibrahim led a major onslaught against the faction of Boko Haram known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), an offensive which culminated in the death of Abubakar Shekau, the late leader of the faction.
Following Shekau’s death, 17 of his commanders had to surrender and pledged allegiance to ISWAP.
Zagazola said Gorgore’s death could have significant implications for the leadership structure of ISWAP; saying; “The confirmed killing of Gorgore could have important implications for the leadership cohesion of ISWAP”.
According to Zagazola; “As a senior Shura member with deep operational experience dating back to the early Boko Haram years, his removal potentially disrupts command continuity within the group.
“The insurgency in the Lake Chad region has historically depended on experienced commanders capable of navigating the complex terrain and maintaining loyalty among fighters.
“The death of a veteran figure like Gorgore weakens institutional memory within the insurgent network and may also trigger internal power struggles as younger commanders compete to fill the vacuum,” it said.
