Rival extremist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are reportedly engaged in renewed violent clashes within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas of Borno State.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed this in a post on X on Saturday, citing intelligence gathered from insurgent enclaves in the region.
According to him, the latest details emerged from a conversation between a suspected Boko Haram fighter identified as Ba Musa, believed to be operating within the Sambisa axis of Bama Local Government Area, and an associate known as “Ya Kazalla.”
Makama said the exchange, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, offered insight into the ongoing rivalry between the two terror factions.
During the conversation, Kazalla was said to have asked about reports claiming ISWAP had recorded major victories over Boko Haram.
However, Musa reportedly dismissed the claims, insisting that Boko Haram had inflicted heavier losses on ISWAP.
He allegedly said about 100 ISWAP fighters were killed in a confrontation on April 29 inside the Sambisa Forest.
Musa also claimed that seven more ISWAP members were killed in another clash around a forest area in Molai, Konduga Local Government Area.
He further stated that Boko Haram suffered minimal losses, saying only one of its fighters, identified as Munzir from Gamargu, was killed.
While the figures remain unverified, analysts say the report highlights the deepening rivalry between both groups, which continues alongside their insurgency against Nigerian security forces.
Makama noted that although such internal clashes are difficult to independently confirm, they often result in significant casualties and disruptions within the groups’ command structures.
The Sambisa Forest and the surrounding Lake Chad basin remain key strongholds for insurgent activity and frequent military operations in the North-East.
