Sambisa Forest: Over 23 terrorists reportedly killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP clash in Borno

Sambisa Forest: Over 23 terrorists reportedly killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP clash in Borno

More than 23 terrorists have reportedly been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.

The latest confrontation reportedly occurred around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area, where Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members who were advancing into the area.

Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, saying the confrontation was part of a renewed wave of hostilities between the two rival terrorist organisations.

According to Makama, the latest fighting began about two days ago and involved sustained exchanges of gunfire as the factions battled to consolidate their positions and prevent each other from expanding their influence within the forest.

Preliminary intelligence indicated that more than 23 terrorists had been killed on both sides since the latest round of fighting began.

However, the exact casualty figures for Boko Haram and ISWAP could not be independently verified.

Makama said the confrontation reportedly started after ISWAP fighters moved into the Chingolo area, prompting Boko Haram fighters operating in the vicinity to launch an attack against the advancing group.

The latest clashes highlight the continuing rivalry between the two insurgent factions over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters operating in the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

The rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP dates back several years and has periodically resulted in deadly clashes between fighters belonging to the two groups.

ISWAP emerged from a split within Boko Haram after some commanders and fighters pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. Since then, the two factions have competed for influence, territory and access to resources across parts of Borno State and the wider Lake Chad Basin.

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The Sambisa Forest remains strategically important because of its difficult terrain and its history as a base for insurgent activity. The expansive forest has been the target of repeated military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist camps, disrupting logistics networks and restricting the movement of insurgents.

The latest internal fighting could further weaken both factions by inflicting casualties and disrupting their command structures, logistics and freedom of movement.

It could also provide security forces with an opportunity to gather intelligence on the locations and movements of fighters weakened by the confrontation.

The development comes amid continued Nigerian military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East.

Troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to conduct ground and air operations against terrorist positions in Borno and neighbouring areas, targeting fighters, camps, weapons and logistics networks.

Despite sustained military pressure, however, both Boko Haram and ISWAP have retained the ability to operate in remote areas and launch attacks, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin and parts of Borno State.

Recent security assessments have also pointed to continued militant activity across the Lake Chad Basin, with northeastern Nigeria remaining one of the major theatres of insurgent violence in the region.

The renewed Boko Haram-ISWAP confrontation therefore presents a complex security situation. While fighting between the rival factions could reduce their strength, prolonged instability could also create opportunities for surviving fighters to regroup, recruit new members or seek control of additional territory.

Security agencies are reportedly monitoring developments around the Sambisa Forest and Bama axis, while intelligence gathered from the clashes could assist ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Communities in and around areas bordering the Sambisa Forest are also expected to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the relevant security authorities.

The casualty figure remains subject to further verification as security agencies continue to assess the extent of the fighting and its impact on the two rival insurgent factions.

Sambisa Forest: Over 23 terrorists reportedly killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP clash in Borno