IRISH born Samantha Lewthwaite, alias White Widow, has been linked to the April 2 Garissa University College attack in which 147 people were killed.
Lethwaite was described by a Kenyan security chief as "evil" but a "very clever operator", according to the Irish Times.
Security chiefs fear she has also spearheaded an initiative to recruit teenagers and women as suicide bombers – paying their families just a few hundred euros.
The suicide bombers are belived to be fed heroin before being sent to their deaths.
A source in Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency told the paper: “The lady has moved up the ranks. She is one of the most important figures in the terror group. We think this lady is sitting at the right hand of the leader directing attacks."
“She does not carry out attacks herself as she is too important but is responsible for many, many deaths - hundreds. She uses children to kill for her after giving money to their families.”