Boko Haram, ISWAP Fighters Clash in Sambisa Forest

Boko Haram, ISWAP Fighters Clash in Sambisa Forest

Fresh violence has erupted in Nigeria’s insurgency-hit North-East as fighters belonging to Boko Haram and rival faction Islamic State West Africa Province engaged in a fierce confrontation inside Sambisa Forest, multiple security sources have confirmed.

The clash, which reportedly occurred deep within the forest in Borno State, is believed to have been triggered by a dispute over territorial control and access to key supply routes. Sambisa Forest has long served as a strategic hideout for insurgent groups operating across the Lake Chad Basin, making it a critical asset for both factions.

Sources familiar with the development said the fighting lasted several hours, with sustained gunfire and the movement of armed fighters reported across different parts of the forest. While casualty figures remain unclear, it is feared that both groups suffered notable losses.

The confrontation underscores the deepening rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP, two factions that have been locked in a bitter struggle since a major split within the insurgent movement several years ago. ISWAP, which maintains links with the global Islamic State network, broke away from Boko Haram over ideological differences and leadership disputes.

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Analysts note that ISWAP has attempted to position itself as a more structured organisation, often criticising Boko Haram’s earlier tactics, particularly attacks targeting Muslim civilians. Boko Haram factions, on the other hand, have resisted ISWAP’s expansion efforts, leading to repeated violent confrontations between the two groups.

The power struggle intensified following the death of Boko Haram’s former leader, Abubakar Shekau, who reportedly died in 2021 during a similar clash with ISWAP fighters. Since then, both groups have continued to compete for dominance across territories in North-Eastern Nigeria.

Security experts say the latest fighting could temporarily disrupt insurgent operations in the area, but caution that such internal battles do not necessarily weaken the long-term threat posed by the groups. “These factions often regroup quickly. While clashes like this may reduce their immediate capacity, they rarely bring a lasting end to the insurgency,” one analyst said.

Efforts by Nigerian security forces to dislodge insurgents from Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas have been ongoing, with a combination of ground offensives and aerial bombardments carried out in recent years. However, the vast terrain and difficult accessibility of the forest continue to pose significant challenges for sustained military control.

As of press time, authorities in Nigeria had yet to issue an official statement detailing the incident. Residents in nearby communities have expressed concern over the renewed violence, fearing possible spill-over attacks.

The latest clash highlights the complex and evolving nature of the insurgency in North-Eastern Nigeria, where fragmentation among extremist groups has added another layer of unpredictability to an already protracted conflict.

Boko Haram, ISWAP Fighters Clash in Sambisa Forest