By Lawal Adenike
The Shura Council of the Islamic State’s West African Province (ISWAP) has appoined Sani Shuwaram as the new leader of the group in Lake Chad region.
Shuwaram replaced the commander who had been appointed in acting capacity since the demise of Malam Bako, the successor of Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, the leader and son of Boko Haram Founder, Mohammed Yusuf.
Report has it that the 45-year-old was sworn in by Alkali (Judge) Bukar Arge in Kurnawa, a remote camp in Lake Chad, the de-facto headquarters of ISWAP in Abadam Local Government Area in Borno State.
He becomes the fifth officially recognised head of the West Africa unit, a position held by immediate past leaders Mamman Nur, Abba-Gana, Abu-Dawud, a.k.a. Aba Ibrahim, Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, at different times.
Shuwaram will control the group in Sambisa, Timbuktu, Tumbumma and others under the general supervision of ISIS core Leader, the Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi.
His installation was witnessed by ISIS envoys who were on a fact finding and consultations mission on the Shura Council to find solutions to problems of ISWAP in the axis.
Quoting a military source, PRNigeria reported that the envoys were present at the event to also discuss ways of resolving problems of internal rivalries, discriminatory actions, financial challenges, refusal of Boko Haram to pledge allegiance after Shekau’s death.
“Apart from looking at issues of management of resources and welfare of widows and foot-soldiers, the ISIS is planning to provide logistic supports to ISWAP for special missions in Baga, Marte and Malam Fatori in Northern part of Borno State,” the source said.
However, a Nigerian military intelligence officer told the news website that the counter terrorism operation will continue not minding the antics of ISWAP in appointment and replacement of commanders
“This is not the first time they are claiming to be making new appointments. They can change their commanders millions of times but that will not stop the ongoing military operations geared at destroying their camps, their leaders and their fighters. We are not worried about such development of appointments and reappointments,” the intelligence officer was quoted as saying.
