More than 23 fighters of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly been killed in a fresh clash between the rival terrorist groups in Borno State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the confrontation occurred around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area in the Sambisa Forest, according to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication that cited security sources.
The fighting reportedly began after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members who were advancing into the area. The two groups subsequently engaged in sustained exchanges of gunfire as they sought to strengthen their positions and prevent the rival faction from expanding its influence in the forest.
Security sources said the renewed hostilities had been ongoing for about two days. Preliminary intelligence indicated that more than 23 terrorists had been killed on both sides, although the exact number of casualties suffered by each faction could not be independently verified.
The latest confrontation is linked to the longstanding rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters operating in the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
According to Zagazola Makama, the clashes could further weaken both groups and disrupt their operations in the forest, which has historically served as a major base for insurgent activities in Borno.
The latest development comes amid continued counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, where security forces are also working to contain attacks by terrorist groups operating around Borno and the wider Lake Chad Basin.
