The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has swiftly appointed a new commander for its Pulka camp following the neutralization of its former leader, Modu Kundiri, in a move seen as an attempt to maintain operational continuity in the insurgency-hit Northeast.
ĹIntelligence sources disclosed on Tuesday evening that the terrorist group has installed Abu Ameer as the new Qa’id (commander) of its Pulka base in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The development comes shortly after the elimination of Kundiri, who previously served as the senior commander of the Pulka camp—one of the group’s most strategic operational hubs in southern Borno.
Security sources say the rapid appointment underscores ISWAP’s strategy of quickly filling leadership gaps to sustain its command structure and maintain operational presence despite ongoing military pressure.
Pulka, located near the borders linking Borno with Adamawa State and neighbouring Cameroon, occupies a crucial position in the insurgency landscape.
The area has long served as a key transit corridor for insurgent fighters, weapons movement, logistics supplies and communication networks operating across multiple theatres of conflict.
According to intelligence reports obtained on March 11, 2026, insurgent fighters loyal to the group are still believed to be active in Ngalta village, situated between Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area and Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The information reportedly emerged during intercepted internal conversations among insurgent members.
In one of the exchanges, a fighter identified as Konto reportedly informed another member, Manya, that fighters were still stationed in the Ngalta area, suggesting the presence of active operational cells despite recent losses.
Security analysts say such communications indicate that the group continues to maintain surveillance and operational networks within the Pulka–Ngalta–Madagali corridor.
The corridor remains strategically significant due to its rugged terrain and proximity to international borders, making it a convenient route for insurgents to move fighters and supplies while evading security forces.
The continued presence of fighters in Ngalta village suggests that insurgents may still retain limited operational capability along the Borno–Adamawa border axis.
Security experts warn that such locations often function as temporary regrouping points or staging areas for insurgent movement between remote settlements.
The development has reinforced calls for intensified intelligence gathering, sustained aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations across the corridor to prevent insurgents from regrouping.
Security observers also emphasize the importance of strengthening collaboration between the military, local vigilante groups and community intelligence networks to detect suspicious movements and disrupt insurgent activities before they escalate.
The appointment of a new Pulka commander comes amid ongoing military offensives aimed at dismantling ISWAP strongholds across the Northeast and restoring stability to communities affected by years of insurgency.
Nigerian troops, supported by intelligence and aerial operations, have continued to target insurgent enclaves in Borno and surrounding states as part of broader efforts to weaken the operational capabilities of both ISWAP and other extremist factions operating in the region.
Despite recent setbacks suffered by the insurgents, security analysts caution that leadership changes within the group often signal attempts to reorganize and sustain their presence, particularly in border communities where monitoring remains challenging.
Authorities say vigilance and sustained security pressure remain critical to preventing the insurgents from rebuilding their networks across the region.
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