Bloody Showdown: 20 Boko Haram Militants Dead as ISWAP Gains Upper Hand in Borno

At least 20 members of the Boko Haram sect have been killed in a violent confrontation with rival fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The clash occurred in the riverine areas of Abadam Local Government Area in Borno State, near the border with the Diffa region of Niger Republic.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, in a post on his X account on Tuesday, revealed that ISWAP launched a surprise attack on Boko Haram fighters on Monday, March 3. The assault was reportedly well-coordinated, targeting insurgent camps between Tumbun Kwatar Mota and Tumbun Marakirya, areas known for previous militant activity.

The conflict began after ISWAP ordered residents in the region to clear thick vegetation between Dabar Giwa village in Kukawa Local Government Area and Garin Mallam Ya’u. This action exposed the hiding spots of Boko Haram fighters, who had been stationed in the area since February 27. They were allegedly preparing for a counterattack against ISWAP but were caught off guard.

Makama stated that ISWAP fighters ambushed the Boko Haram members, launching a strategic offensive that resulted in the deaths of at least 20 insurgents. The attack took place near Tumbun Gini, a former stronghold of ISWAP, which had previously been contested by both groups.

The rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP has intensified in recent years, with both factions vying for dominance in Nigeria’s northeastern region. ISWAP, which broke away from Boko Haram in 2016 after pledging allegiance to the Islamic State, has been engaged in numerous battles with its former allies, often targeting Boko Haram members in ambushes and surprise raids.

The ongoing clashes between these groups continue to impact local communities, exacerbating the already dire security situation in Borno State and surrounding areas. Residents remain caught between the two factions, facing displacement and violence as the groups struggle for control over territory and resources.

Nigerian security forces have been battling both Boko Haram and ISWAP for over a decade, but the conflict remains complex, with shifting alliances and internal divisions among the insurgents. The latest clash highlights the ongoing power struggle between the groups and the volatile nature of security in the region.