Not less than 50 Boko Haram fighters were reportedly killed in a fierce rivalry battle between a faction of the terrorist group known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) between Friday and Saturday.
Counter-Insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama who shared the news on his X handle on Saturday night, said the confrontation between the two rival groups occurred near Kachalla Kellori village in Mobbar Local Government Area, Borno State.
Makama stated that the offensive was first launched by ISWAP launched against the Boko Haram fighters who were on a retreat and in disarray and heading towards Gashigar.
“During the retreat, some Boko Haram members were captured, while others sought refuge in abandoned villages nearby,” he said.
“During the pursuit, several fleeing JAS members were captured, while others found refuge in abandoned villages in the vicinity
“The following night, Boko Haram fighters retaliated with an attack on ISWAP forces at Maleri Zoriaya village, about two kilometres southeast of Kachalla Kellori, further escalating hostilities.
“The conflict underscores the fierce territorial disputes and control over strategic smuggling routes from Geidam, Diffa (Niger), to the Lake Chad Basin Area (LCRBA).
“At least 200 vehicles carrying goods such as fish, grains, and textiles leave Nigeria daily through illegal routes in Gaidam, Yobe State. These traders pay hefty sums to multiple actors, including customs officials, Boko Haram groups, and Nigerien border agents.
“ISWAP’s increasing dominance in Gashigar can be attributed to the declaration of a new Dawla (territorial state) and the influx of foreign fighters from ISIS-affiliated groups in the Sahel and Maghreb regions.
“This support has enabled ISWAP to establish new camps and bolster its control over key smuggling routes, further strengthening its influence.
“However, another faction led by Bakoura, which remains independent of global terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIS, could disrupt this dynamic as foreign fighters and mercenaries expand their activities in northern Nigeria.
“ISWAP and Boko Haram are locked in a struggle for supremacy near the River Komadougou Yobe, a long-time Boko Haram stronghold where ISWAP is aggressively seeking to expand its territory,” he explained.
