A cholera outbreak has reportedly killed nine fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Timbuktu Triangle, one of the group’s major strongholds in Borno State, according to intelligence sources.
The outbreak is said to have spread across several ISWAP camps in the remote area, exposing poor sanitary conditions and the group’s limited access to medical treatment as military operations continue to put pressure on its activities.
Intelligence sources told security observers that the disease has affected a number of terrorists living in the camps, where access to clean water, proper hygiene and healthcare has become increasingly difficult.
According to the sources, the outbreak has weakened the group’s ability to care for its injured and sick members, with shortages of medicines and medical personnel making the situation worse.
The intelligence also claimed that two ISWAP fighters who contracted cholera were allegedly executed by fellow terrorists after attempts to treat them in Kimba village failed. The sources said the group decided to kill the infected members after their condition could no longer be managed, although the claims could not be independently verified.
Security officials believe the reported incident reflects growing pressure on the terrorist group, whose logistics and supply routes have come under repeated attacks by troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
The military operation, involving the Nigerian Army, Air Force and other security agencies, has continued to carry out offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP positions across Borno and other parts of the North-East.
Over the past several months, troops have launched ground and air operations targeting terrorist camps, weapons storage sites and supply routes around the Lake Chad Basin and the Sambisa Forest. Military authorities have repeatedly said these operations are aimed at weakening the insurgents’ fighting ability and preventing them from regrouping.
According to the intelligence sources, the disruption of ISWAP’s logistics network has made it increasingly difficult for the group to obtain medicines, medical equipment and other essential supplies needed to treat wounded and sick fighters.
The sources added that the cholera outbreak has further exposed the poor living conditions inside the terrorist camps, where overcrowding and inadequate sanitation increase the risk of infectious diseases spreading quickly.
Security sources said commanders have also been advised to intensify efforts to stop medical supplies and pharmaceuticals from reaching terrorist enclaves. They believe preventing access to medicines would further reduce the group’s ability to recover from illnesses and injuries while limiting its operational strength.
The Timbuktu Triangle, located within the Lake Chad region of Borno State, has long been regarded as one of ISWAP’s most important bases. The difficult terrain, thick vegetation and waterways have allowed the group to establish camps and launch attacks on both military formations and civilian communities over the years.
However, sustained military operations have continued to reduce the group’s freedom of movement in the area. Nigerian troops, supported by air strikes, have destroyed several camps, recovered weapons and rescued hostages during recent operations.
The North-East has experienced more than a decade of insurgency, with Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, ISWAP, carrying out attacks that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.
Although security forces have recorded several successes in recent years, the terrorist groups continue to stage attacks in remote communities, particularly around the Lake Chad region and parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
Outbreaks are common in overcrowded camps and conflict-affected areas where access to clean water and sanitation facilities is limited. Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly stressed the need for improved healthcare services and disease surveillance in areas affected by insecurity.
While the latest outbreak occurred inside terrorist camps, authorities have continued to monitor public health conditions in surrounding communities to prevent any wider spread of infectious diseases.
The reported deaths come as Operation HADIN KAI continues its campaign to dismantle terrorist networks across the North-East. Military authorities have maintained that sustained pressure on insurgents, combined with efforts to cut off their supplies and movement, remains essential to restoring lasting peace in the region.
Although the military has yet to issue an official statement on the reported cholera deaths, intelligence sources believe the outbreak represents another setback for ISWAP as security forces continue efforts to degrade the group’s operational capacity.