Troops Kill ISWAP Commander Mallam Ali, Two Terrorists in Adamawa Battle

Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a significant blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist network, neutralising two insurgents, including Mallam Ali, identified as the Amirul Fiya (commander in charge of fighting forces) of the notorious Timbuktu Triangle enclave in Borno State.

The terrorist commander was killed during a failed midnight assault on troops of 226 Battalion at their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Zangula Kilba Junction, Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The attack occurred at about 12:05 a.m. on November 10, 2026, when ISWAP fighters launched an assault on the military position, apparently seeking to overrun the base.

However, the troops, supported by local hunters and Rangers, mounted a determined resistance, repelling the attackers and inflicting casualties on the terrorist group.

Military sources said two terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, including Mallam Ali, whose position as Amirul Fiya of the Timbuktu Triangle makes his elimination a significant operational development against ISWAP’s command and fighting structure.

The Timbuktu Triangle, located within the Lake Chad operational theatre, has remained one of the strategic areas associated with ISWAP’s activities, including the movement and deployment of fighters.
Following the successful defence of the base, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and a substantial quantity of ammunition.

The recovered ammunition included 125 rounds of 7.62mm x 54, 77 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 and 20 rounds of 7.62mm x 39, alongside two belted links of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition.

Other items recovered were a mobile telephone, wristwatch, camel bag and ₦15,000 cash.

The killing of Mallam Ali is expected to deal a blow to ISWAP’s fighting hierarchy, particularly if his operational responsibilities and communication networks are further exploited through intelligence gathered from the recovered items.