The Islamic State-allied jihadists Islamic State West Africa Province known as ISWAP climbed up the terror chain on Thursday after the alleged killing of Abubakar Shekau, leader of the rival sect, Boko Haram.

Shekau reportedly “shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder,” to avoid getting captured by ISWAP fighters, according to a source.

Another source claimed that the dreadful Shekau detonated explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men.

While Nigerians and the world await official confirmation of Shekau’s death and how he died, WUZUPNIGERIA brings you 10 things you ought to know about ISWAP which many fear could become a bigger threat than Boko Haram.

#1: ISWAP is a faction of Boko Haram – formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād which broke away occurred in 2016 and it is a recognised branch of an international terrorist group Islamic State.

#2: The breakaway terrorists is headed by Abu al-Barnawi who was recently re-appointed as the new leader of ISWAP having reportedly gone underground for a while now, according to Vanguard.

#3: Al-Barnawi is the son of Boko Haram’s original founder, Mohammed Yusuf, and previously served as the spokesman for Boko Haram under Shekau.

#4: In March 2019, however, another relative moderate known as Ba Idrisa became ISWAP leader and al-Barnawi was demoted to shura (consultative council) member.

#5: ISWAP and Boko Haram have been engaged in several turf war for superiority among factions resulting in the elimination of dozens of Boko Haram fighters from both sides within the past five years.

#6: ISWAP’s primary objective is the establishment of an Islamic state under Shariah law in Nigeria. Its secondary objective is the wider imposition of Islamic rule beyond Nigeria.

#7: ISWAP is active in northeastern Nigeria, the Lake Chad region and border regions of Niger and Cameroon.

#8: ISWAP exploits poor economic and social conditions in north eastern Nigeria and neighbouring regions to attract members.

#9: According to Australian National Security, ISWAP provides protection from attacks by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad and some relief from counter-terrorism measures implemented by Nigerian authorities.

#10: Recruits are also drawn by ISWAP’s proselytisation, its ability to provide social services, and the economic prospects for its members.