The Nigerian Army’s 144 Battalion, under Operation Hadin Kai, has captured a suspect described as a high-ranking commander of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP).
The suspect, Saidu Hassan Yellow, also known as Abu Saidu, is said to be the mastermind of some deadly terrorist activities in the Northeast resulting in the death of troops and civilians.
Abu Saidu was described by counter insurgency experts as a notorious figure on the military’s most-wanted list. He was captured during a sting operation at the Mubi Market General area in Madagali, Adamawa state, on April 9, 2024. This operation marks a major victory in the ongoing battle against ISWAP, a group that has been responsible for numerous attacks in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The Explainer learnt from an analysis by Zagazola Makama, a renowned counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region that Abu Saidu’s activities have been giving the security agencies sleepless nights.
Makama said: “Saidu Hassan Yellow, aged 32, was allegedly the mastermind behind the tragic attack on Askira Town on November 12, 2021. This attack led to the unfortunate loss of the Commander of the 28 Task Force Brigade and three valiant soldiers who were reinforcing a counter-offensive against the terrorists,” he said.
The Explainer learnt that upon his capture, a variety of items were seized from the suspect, including three mobile handsets, three ATM cards, a wristwatch, four rings, a bunch of keys, and a small amount of cash (N1900). The items are being vetted, just as the suspect has been quizzed about the operations of ISWAP. Security sources are jubilant that the capture of the ISWAP commander is a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the area.
ISWAP, a splinter group of Boko Haram, has been a significant threat to Nigeria’s national security.
The group has carried out numerous attacks, primarily targeting the Nigerian Army and its allies. With a robust weaponry base, steady flow of funding, and doctrines that aid its recruitment, ISWAP has successfully launched several attacks in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. During the eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, a Nigerian-led Multinational Joint Task was saddled with the task of routing and degrading the terrorist group.
