Boko Haram, ISWAP Battle for Dominance in Sambisa Forest” as deadly clashes intensify
By Zagazola Makama
Fresh intelligence emerging from insurgent enclaves in Borno State suggests an escalation of deadly clashes between Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with both factions locked in violent confrontations deep inside the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
At about 8:43 p.m. on April 30, a conversation reportedly took place between a suspected Boko Haram fighter identified as Ba Musa, believed to be operating within the Sambisa axis of Bama Local Government Area, and an associate known as Ya Kazalla.
Though Kazalla’s exact location remains unknown, the exchange offered a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics and narratives shaping the conflict between the rival extremist groups.
During the discussion, Kazalla reportedly sought clarity on recent clashes, expressing concern over circulating reports that ISWAP fighters had recorded significant victories against Boko Haram. The concern reflects the fluid and often opaque nature of insurgent propaganda, where both factions frequently project strength to boost morale and recruitment.
In response, Musa was said to have pushed back strongly against such claims, asserting that Boko Haram had, in fact, inflicted heavy losses on ISWAP.
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He allegedly claimed that Boko Haram fighters killed about 100 ISWAP members during a confrontation on April 29 within the Sambisa Forest.
The narrative did not end there. Musa further claimed that an additional seven ISWAP fighters were killed in another clash around a forested area in Molai, located in Konduga Local Government Area.
According to him, Boko Haram’s own losses were minimal, with only one fighter identified as Munzir, said to be of Gamargu origin killed in the series of encounters.
While these claims remain unverified, they point to the intensity of the rivalry between the two groups, which has evolved into a parallel conflict alongside their broader insurgency against state forces.
Zagazola note that such internal clashes, though difficult to independently confirm exactly figures, often result in significant casualties and disruptions to command structures on both sides.
The Sambisa Forest and adjoining corridors as well as the lake chad have long served as strategic strongholds for insurgent factions, making them focal points for both inter-group conflict and sustained military operations.
The latest reports suggest that despite ongoing counterterrorism pressure, the insurgents continue to maintain active communication networks and operational capabilities within these enclaves.
The infighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP is increasingly seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, a challenge due to the unpredictability it introduces, and an opportunity as it may weaken the overall cohesion of insurgent forces in the region.