ISWAP, Boko Haram renew violent clashes in fierce battle for control of Lake Chad region

ISWAP, Boko Haram renew violent clashes in fierce battle for control of Lake Chad region

Abuja — The deadly rivalry between the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram has intensified, as both terror factions engage in renewed and increasingly violent clashes for dominance across the Lake Chad region.

Recent video footage obtained by counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, shows ISWAP fighters launching a large-scale offensive against Boko Haram insurgents on one of the Lake Chad islands, reclaiming territories previously seized by the rival group.

According to Makama, Boko Haram had earlier gained the upper hand after dislodging ISWAP from several of its strongholds and inflicting heavy casualties. However, the tide appears to have shifted, with ISWAP regaining strength and executing more sophisticated, coordinated attacks.

Intelligence sources attribute ISWAP’s resurgence to the reported involvement of foreign mercenaries operating in the Lake Chad basin. The sources allege that these fighters have supplied the group with armed drones and advanced weaponry, giving ISWAP a tactical advantage over Boko Haram.

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“In a significant development, ISWAP fighters recently extended their operations into the Mandara Mountains and several parts of the Sambisa Forest — territories long dominated by Boko Haram,” Makama revealed. “This marks the first time ISWAP has taken the fight deep into the Mandara strategic terrain.”

Security analysts fear that the renewed hostilities could lead to heightened instability across Nigeria’s North-East and neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad Basin.

Makama warned that the clashes are likely to escalate in the coming weeks as both extremist factions continue their bloody contest for supremacy.

“The renewed clashes will continue to escalate in the coming weeks with no end in sight,” he said.

The ongoing conflict between ISWAP and Boko Haram has not only deepened insecurity in the region but also complicated counter-terrorism operations by regional forces under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

ISWAP, Boko Haram renew violent clashes in fierce battle for control of Lake Chad region