Over 50 killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP fighters clash in Borno
A violent confrontation between rival insurgent groups, JAS and ISWAP, in Abadam LGA, Borno State, has reportedly left over 50 ISWAP fighters dead.
Security sources told counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama that the clash occurred on Sunday around 3 p.m. at Toumbun Gini, an island community in the Lake Chad region. ISWAP, deploying 10 heavily armed boats, attempted to retake the island recently controlled by JAS. However, JAS, having received intelligence of the planned attack, set up a counter-ambush.
“At exactly 1500 hours, ISWAP boats landed and what was planned as a surprise offensive quickly turned into a deadly trap. JAS fighters overpowered them within minutes,” a source said. Seven ISWAP boats were seized, and three others escaped with casualties. Videos showing the aftermath circulated online.
Zagazola described the clash as Day 5 of intensified rivalry between the factions fighting for control of Lake Chad territories and resources. He warned that surviving ISWAP fighters could flee toward Kukawa, Monguno, and Marte, heightening security risks for civilians.
While the infighting has weakened both groups’ capacity for large-scale attacks, it has also created smaller, unpredictable cells that are harder to monitor. Zagazola urged the Nigerian military to tighten control in the corridor to prevent both factions from regrouping.
