ISWAP Executes Two Tribal Leaders in Borno, Declares Control Over Rural Communities

ISWAP Executes Two Tribal Leaders in Borno, Declares Control Over Rural Communities

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has publicly executed two tribal leaders in Borno State over allegations of collaborating with the Nigerian government, in what experts describe as a bold show of power meant to cement its grip over rural parts of the region.

The executions, carried out in the town of Limbere in Abadam Local Government Area, were staged before a large crowd as a stark warning to others. ISWAP claimed the victims were working against the group by funneling tax revenues collected from herders and farmers to Nigerian authorities and using their influence to “mobilize support against ISWAP’s activities.”

According to local sources, the two tribal chiefs operated near Damasak, a town bordering Niger Republic. The militants reportedly arrested them and tried them before a self-styled “court,” which found them guilty of “treason” and “cooperating with apostate forces.” ISWAP then pronounced a death sentence and carried out a public execution, leaving the victims’ bodies on display.

Eyewitnesses said the militants warned community members against any cooperation with the Nigerian government or security agencies, stating that such acts would be met with “severe consequences.”

The incident underscores the growing influence of ISWAP in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where the group has entrenched itself. Analysts say this latest execution validates Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum’s repeated warnings that ISWAP has become the de facto authority in many rural communities.

Read also: Borno Governor,Zulum, Raises Alarm Over Boko Haram,ISWAP Regrouping

“This act of public execution and the gathering of a crowd is a deliberate tactic by ISWAP to instill fear and dismantle traditional governance,” said one local security analyst. “It’s a grim message that they are watching and will not tolerate any opposition.”

Humanitarian agencies warn that such violence is worsening the already dire conditions in the Lake Chad basin, where millions have been displaced and depend heavily on aid for survival. The Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement, though counterinsurgency efforts in the region remain ongoing.

The execution adds to a long list of atrocities committed by ISWAP, which has escalated its attacks on local leaders, aid workers and civilians in recent months, aiming to replace state institutions with its own brutal rule.