TROOPS LAND BLOW AGAINST TERROR GROUP AS NOTORIOUS ISWAP LEADER APPREHENDED
In a major victory against the insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast, troops deployed under Operation Hadin Kai have apprehended a high-ranking commander of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). Saidu Hassan Yellow, also known as Abu Saidu, was captured on April 9th in Adamawa state, according to a press release from the Nigerian Army [Nigerian Army Press Release].
Yellow, described by security analysts as a “kingpin” and one of the most wanted terrorists in the region, was arrested in a sting operation at Mubi Market, a bustling commercial center in the state. This operation, according to Zagazola Makama, a security analyst quoted in TheCable, was based on credible intelligence. Yellow, 32 years old, is suspected of masterminding the deadly attack on Askira Town in November 2021, which resulted in the deaths of a military commander and three soldiers.
The arrest of Yellow is a significant development in the fight against ISWAP, a violent extremist group that has plagued the Lake Chad region for years. The group, which splintered from Boko Haram in 2016, is notorious for its brutal attacks on civilians and military personnel. This victory comes amidst ongoing efforts by Nigerian forces to counter the insurgency, with recent reports from Channels Television detailing the neutralization of dozens of terrorists and the arrest of collaborators in the past few weeks.
Details surrounding Yellow’s capture remain sketchy. However, Leadership News reports that the operation involved the 144 Battalion and yielded additional suspects alongside Yellow. Authorities have yet to disclose what charges Yellow will face or whether further details about the sting operation will be released.
The news of Yellow’s arrest has been met with cautious optimism by residents of Adamawa, a state that has borne the brunt of the insurgency. Many hope that this capture will disrupt ISWAP operations and deter future attacks. However, some security experts warn that the fight against the group is far from over. ISWAP possesses a significant presence in the region and is likely to continue its violent activities.
The Nigerian military has vowed to maintain its offensive against ISWAP and other extremist groups. While the capture of Yellow is a significant milestone, the long-term success of Operation Hadin Kai will depend on continued vigilance and a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of extremism in the region.
