At least 23 fighters of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly been killed following fresh clashes between the rival insurgent groups in Borno State.
The fighting reportedly took place around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area, within the Sambisa Forest, as Boko Haram members confronted ISWAP fighters moving into the area.
Counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, citing security sources, said the confrontation was part of renewed hostilities between the two factions that had intensified over the past two days.
According to the report, the groups engaged in sustained gunfire as they sought to establish control over strategic positions and prevent their rivals from expanding their presence in the forest.
“Preliminary intelligence indicates that more than 23 terrorists have been killed on both sides since the latest round of fighting began,” Zagazola Makama reported.
However, it said the exact number of casualties suffered by each faction had not been independently established.
The latest confrontation underscores the persistent rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have continued to compete for territorial control, resources, access routes and fighters in the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
The report said the internal conflict could further undermine the operational capacity of the two groups and disrupt their activities in the forest, which has long been a key operating environment for insurgents in Borno.
Security forces were said to be closely monitoring the situation and using available intelligence to track movements by the rival factions.
The military has also continued operations against terrorist camps, logistics networks and hideouts in the area as part of efforts to weaken the insurgents and restrict their freedom of movement.
Authorities have meanwhile advised communities around the Sambisa Forest to remain alert and report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
The latest clash adds to the continuing violence between Boko Haram and ISWAP, despite sustained military operations aimed at degrading terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
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