The most recent leader of the self-proclaimed Islamic state of West Africa Province (ISWAP) -one Mohammed Dawud and his closest allies have directed various battlefield unit commanders to plan and launch multiple tactical attacks targeting military and security post across strategic locations in Borno on or before the last day of the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan Eid-el-Fitr.

Sources familiar with the ISWAP jihadist operational tactics say the aim of these multiple planned attacks is to distract the Nigerian military and security services from embarking on ground and aerial offensives that could possibly impede the ISWAP leadership from holding Eid prayers, feast and take propaganda videos in remote locations in the Tumbus aimed at justifying their activities to their covert sponsors. 

The leadership had earlier singled out Dikwa for multiple attacks promising to celebrate Sallah in the town. This was confirmed after ground sources reported spotting large movements of ISWAP linked terrorists and weapons around the axis of Abadam, Marte and Duguri in Kukawa LGA.

Same sources report that Muhammad Dawud was spotted on May 11, 2021 in the company of some ISIS leaders embarking on a sinister first tour to join unit elements in the strategic location within the Tumbus in Marte LGA. It is believed that the ISWAP leader was smuggled in the night of May 10th from a location only given as Duguri – passing the night in a makeshift tent in a location given as Sabon Tumbus.

Dawud is said to have been received by one Muhammad Malumma, the Chief Imam, and Chief Judge of ISWAP ; another Ali Kwaya, known to be the Operations Commander of ISWAP; the jihadist own Amirs of Kirta, Wulgo and Sabon Tumbus; Ali Chakkar, the current Governor of the Lake Chad and one Malam Musa Malmat, Chief Tax Collector for ISWAP. Sources say the leader and other senior leaders spent most of the night conducting Tahajjud prayers. 

It is suspected that the ISWAP leader plans to embark on a strategic tour of other ISWAP strongholds in locations given as Kusuma, Kirta, Kwalaram and Yarwa Kura – to reassure and congratulate newly appointed unit commanders under his leadership. Thereafter Muhammed Dawud who is accompanied by several gun mounted trucks could be crossing via a location given as Minok and Jakana possible attacking troop locations for clearance purpose.

The ISWAP leader and other senior members are likely to end the tour in a location given as KIRTA where they will conduct their version of Eid-el-Fitri Prayer.

Urgent Action: Extreme Red Alert from All Stakeholders and the local population. 

To prevent and effectively repel planned Boko Haram ISWAP attacks within the next 48 hours during this critical period – Nigerian Troops and other sister agencies involved in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East must remain on VERY high alert and in a state of battlefield preparedness.

Nigerian Airforce Surveillance mission is imperative to identify given locations of Non state actors for COIN precision action against high value targets and associates. Special surveillance attention should be given to locations around Dikwa, Baga, Mafa, Gubio, Marte, Monguno, Damasak and Marte as well as a continued monitoring within Borno state Capital – Maiduguri.

If you See something; Smell Something; Hear Something ; Think Something then SAY SOMETHING. The security services cannot win the war against insurgency IF the people living within the affected communities refuse to fight it.

David Otto – Defence and Security Specialist

Certified Master Anti – Terrorism Specialist (CMAS).

@Ottotgs

David Otto is the Director for Stepped In – Step Out UK Ltd and a Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Expert. He is a Certified Anti -Terrorism Specialist (CAS), a Certified Master Anti -Terrorism Specialist (CMAS) and a programme trainer with the Anti -Terrorism Accreditation Board (ATAB). Twitter @ottotgs Email: David.otto@steppedin-stepout.com.