More than 23 fighters from rival terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed in renewed clashes over territory and resources in Borno State. The confrontation occurred around the Chingolo axis in Bama Local Government Area.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the fighting was triggered when ISWAP fighters moved into the Chingolo axis. Boko Haram elements already operating in the area launched an attack, sparking sustained exchanges of fire. Both factions sought to consolidate their positions and prevent the other from expanding its influence within the forest.
The clashes, which began about two days ago, have reportedly killed over 23 fighters on both sides. However, exact casualty figures for each faction could not be independently verified. The rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP is driven by competition over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters operating in the Sambisa Forest.
Security forces are closely monitoring the developments and exploiting available intelligence on the rival factions’ movements and activities. The military has continued to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents. Officials have urged communities in areas surrounding the Sambisa forest to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the authorities.
The infighting has further weakened both factions and disrupted their operations in a region that has historically served as a major operating environment for insurgents in Borno. Analysts say the renewed fighting could further stretch the groups at a time when military operations against terrorist positions are continuing across the North-east.
This echoes the 2022 clashes between the two factions, which also resulted in scores of deaths and highlighted the enduring rivalry over the Sambisa forest. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a cycle of violence that weakens both groups and eases pressure on military forces.
The winners: the Nigerian military, which benefits from the infighting and the weakening of both terrorist groups. The losers: the fighters killed in the clashes; and the residents of Borno, who continue to live under the threat of violence.
Bottom Line: Twenty-three terrorists are dead, killed by their own kind. The rivalry for territory and resources continues. The military is watching. The question is whether the infighting will weaken the insurgency or simply create new opportunities for violence.