Dozens Killed in Renewed Boko Haram-ISWAP Clashes in Sambisa Forest

Dozens Killed in Renewed Boko Haram-ISWAP Clashes in Sambisa Forest

Dozens of terrorists were reportedly killed during a week-long bout of violent clashes between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions along the Sambisa Forest corridor in Borno State.

Security sources told counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama that the hostilities began on January 3, 2026, following a coordinated ISWAP raid led by commanders Jundullah and Ibn Hataf against Boko Haram camps near the Ali Ngulde axis of the Mandara Mountains.

The offensive reportedly met stiff resistance as Boko Haram fighters, under field commander Abu-Rijal (Ba-Sulhu), executed a counter-ambush. Dozens of ISWAP fighters were killed, with many captured alive and weapons, including AK-47 rifles, a general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), an anti-aircraft gun, and ammunition, seized by Boko Haram forces.

Footage obtained by Makama resurfaced during the week, allegedly showing captured ISWAP fighters executed before other combatants, highlighting the brutality of inter-group rivalries in the Lake Chad region.

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The balance of power reportedly shifted on January 6, when ISWAP launched a retaliatory assault on a Boko Haram stronghold at Sabil Huda, triggering prolonged heavy gunfire. ISWAP forces eventually overran the position, killing at least 12 Boko Haram fighters and seizing additional weapons.

The clashes forced the relocation of Boko Haram families, women, and children from contested camps to perceived safe havens near Yale General axis. Night operations were reportedly conducted to track fleeing fighters, although no further confirmed engagements were recorded as of Wednesday.

Analysts say the renewed clashes are part of a long-standing rivalry between the factions, rooted in ideological differences, leadership disputes, and competition over territory, resources, and fighters. Both groups are reportedly re-arming and repositioning for potential further attacks in the Sambisa Forest region.

Dozens Killed in Renewed Boko Haram-ISWAP Clashes in Sambisa Forest