Dozens of fighters were reportedly killed in a week-long clash between Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
Security sources according to counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, revealed that the renewed hostilities began on Jan. 3, following a coordinated ISWAP raid led by two commanders, identified as Jundullah and Ibn Hataf, against camps loyal to the Boko Haram faction around the Ali Ngulde axis of the Mandara Mountains.
Boko Haram fighters, coordinated by Abu-Rijal (Ba-Sulhu), mounted a counter-ambush, killing dozens of ISWAP fighters and capturing many others.
Footage showed captured ISWAP fighters being executed, highlighting the brutality of the rivalry.
However, ISWAP retaliated on January 6, overrunning a Boko Haram stronghold in Sabil Huda, killing at least 12 fighters and seizing weapons.
The clashes forced Boko Haram families to relocate to safer areas.
Both factions are re-arming and repositioning for further attacks, fueled by ideological differences, leadership disputes, and competition for territory and resources.
