**Troops Kill Top ISWAP Commander Involved in Attack on Boko Haram Leader** A significant blow has been dealt to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) with the killing of one of its senior commanders, Bako Gorgore, also known as Abou Mustapha. Gorgore, who is believed to be around 60 years old, was reportedly killed during a military operation in Borno State, a hotbed of insurgency in Nigeria's North-East. According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, Gorgore's death was confirmed through multiple intelligence sources after security operatives intercepted internal communications among ISWAP fighters acknowledging the incident. Gorgore was a veteran of the insurgent group and had held several strategic positions, including membership of ISWAP's Shura council, the group's highest decision-making body. Gorgore's killing is a significant development in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria. In 2021, he and another senior ISWAP commander, Aba Ibrahim, led a major offensive against a rival Boko Haram faction known as Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad. The operation resulted in the death of the faction's leader, Abubakar Shekau. Following the incident, about 17 of Shekau's commanders reportedly surrendered and pledged allegiance to ISWAP. The killing of Gorgore could have implications for the leadership structure of ISWAP, according to Zagazola. "The confirmed killing of Gorgore could have important implications for the leadership cohesion of ISWAP. As a senior Shura member with deep operational experience dating back to the early Boko Haram years, his removal potentially disrupts command continuity within the group." The insurgency in the Lake Chad region, which includes parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, has been a major security challenge for the countries in the region. Experienced commanders like Gorgore have played a crucial role in navigating the difficult terrain and maintaining loyalty among fighters. His death is a significant setback for ISWAP and could potentially weaken the group's leadership structure. This development is a testament to the efforts of the Nigerian military, particularly the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, who have been working tirelessly to combat terrorism in the North-East. The killing of Gorgore is a significant blow to ISWAP and a major victory for the Nigerian military and the people of the North-East.