Snake kills ISWAP commander in Borno

An infamous leader of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), known as Kiriku, has reportedly passed away after being bitten by a venomous snake in the Sambisa forest of Borno State.

Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, said the commander simply identified Kiriku was injured in an ISWAP hideout in Damboa LGA of Borno.

Kiriku, who was said to have been injured on Tuesday, died on Friday.

According to Zagazola Makama, the ISWAP commander was unable to receive medical treatment, which led to his demise.

Prior to his passing, Kiriku conducted operations within the Jiddari area of Chiralia, which is located in the Timbuktu triangle – a stronghold for both Boko Haram and SWAP.

The Timbuktu triangle spans across four LGAs in Borno – Damboa, Jere, Kaga, and Konduga – as well as Gujba LGA in Yobe state.

Kiriku was known for leading numerous attacks and ambushes against troops belonging to Operation Hadin Kai in Borno.