A joint operation by the Nigeria Army and the Multi-National Joint Task Force ( MNJTF) has resulted in the killing of ISIS in Africa's most powerful Commander in Chief. 

Amir Abu Imar, aka Abu Imrana, was until his demise, an indigene of Marte Local Government Area ( LGA). He died of severe gunshot wounds in Sabon Tunbuns and was immediately buried by his close associates. 

Always dressed in military fatigue and full mask to cover his identity, the infamous Amir was known as the 3-star General by Boko Haram and ISWAP Commanders. He personally trained and controlled about 3000 special forces and led the AZWAJ campaign promoted by jihadist networks from Mali and Libya. 

some of the weaponry controlled by Amir

The ISIS commander is believed to have died after a fierce encounter with elements of the Nigerian troops and MNJTF sector 3 in Marte LGA on Sunday, 14th June 2020. 

Amir Imar was the strategic Brain behind the recent coordinated attacks by new Commanders who attacked Monguno, Gubio, Nganzai, and the United Nations Humanitarian office in Borno.

_{Bodies of slain Boko Haram terrorists killed on Saturday, June 13 in Monguno (image deliberately blurred)}

Amir Imar was known to have close ties with JAS Boko Haram strongman, Abubakar Shekau, and often visited the leader in his stronghold in the deep Sambisa Forest. He is known to have doubled as a commanding officer for ISWAP factions after both jihadist groups agreed to establish a coalition of convenience against the Nigeria Army and the MNJTF Lake Chad contributing troops. 

Imar had directed several attacks on the Nigerian military formations, including attacks at Garunda, Metele, and other strategic military locations in Lake Chad's shores.

He recently ordered the deployment of 21 VBIEDs stationed at Koyawa to target the Nigerian Army and MNJTF military positions. 

_{An SVBIED vehicle designed by Amir Imrana's men}

The images show one of the SVBIED vehicles designed by Amir Imrana's men. The same vehicle deployed but destroyed by Nigeria Air Force précision strike in the recent failed Boko Haram ISWAP attacks on Mungonu town - North-East Nigeria. 

Besides the use of young children and girls as suicide bombers, suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) has been one of ISIS's most potent and versatile weapons deployed against the Nigerian Army and regional MNJTF troops. ISWAP has consistently adapted its SVBIED designs to match the complex operational environment and other weather factors; modifications in armor, payload organization, color, and detonation technology. Advanced SVBIED designs have been shared between various Boko Haram and ISWAP factions through individual technicians and via technology transfer. 

READ MORE: BOKO HARAM/ISWAP - AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF RECENT CIVILIAN SOFT TARGET ATTACKS

Sources say specific components of the SVBIED match the 250kg Nigeria Air Force air-dropped general purpose high-explosive bombs. Some of these large bombs sink into deep marsh/muddy areas of the Lake Chad Islands and fail to detonate on targets - rendering the region one of the most complex and challenging in COIN engagements. 

The SVBIED is described as an earthquake monster IED bomb, further illustrating the fact that the Nigerian Army and the regional states are fighting the most brutal COIN in the world within Northern Nigeria - Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad Islands. All hands, both local and international, must be on deck to uproot ISIS and AlQaeda from the region.

READ MORE: NIGERIA ARMY KILLS SUSPECTED BOKO HARAM/ISWAP CHIEF COMMANDER

About the Author

David Otto is 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