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Boko Haram, ISWAP Battle for Dominance in Sambisa Forest” as deadly clashes intensify
Boko Haram, ISWAP Battle for Dominance in Sambisa Forest” as deadly clashes intensify
By Zagazola Makama
Fresh intelligence emerging from insurgent enclaves in Borno State suggests an escalation of deadly clashes between Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with both factions locked in violent confrontations deep inside the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
At about 8:43 p.m. on April 30, a conversation reportedly took place 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.
Though Kazalla’s exact location remains unknown, the exchange offered a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics and narratives shaping the conflict between the rival extremist groups.
During the discussion, Kazalla reportedly sought clarity on recent clashes, expressing concern over circulating reports that ISWAP fighters had recorded significant victories against Boko Haram. The concern reflects the fluid and often opaque nature of insurgent propaganda, where both factions frequently project strength to boost morale and recruitment.
In response, Musa was said to have pushed back strongly against such claims, asserting that Boko Haram had, in fact, inflicted heavy losses on ISWAP.
He allegedly claimed that Boko Haram fighters killed about 100 ISWAP members during a confrontation on April 29 within the Sambisa Forest.
The narrative did not end there. Musa further claimed that an additional seven ISWAP fighters were killed in another clash around a forested area in Molai, located in Konduga Local Government Area.
According to him, Boko Haram’s own losses were minimal, with only one fighter identified as Munzir, said to be of Gamargu origin killed in the series of encounters.
While these claims remain unverified, they point to the intensity of the rivalry between the two groups, which has evolved into a parallel conflict alongside their broader insurgency against state forces.
Zagazola note that such internal clashes, though difficult to independently confirm exactly figures, often result in significant casualties and disruptions to command structures on both sides.
The Sambisa Forest and adjoining corridors as well as the lake chad have long served as strategic strongholds for insurgent factions, making them focal points for both inter-group conflict and sustained military operations.
The latest reports suggest that despite ongoing counterterrorism pressure, the insurgents continue to maintain active communication networks and operational capabilities within these enclaves.
The infighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP is increasingly seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, a challenge due to the unpredictability it introduces, and an opportunity as it may weaken the overall cohesion of insurgent forces in the region.
Boko Haram, ISWAP Battle for Dominance in Sambisa Forest” as deadly clashes intensify
Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno
By: Our Reporter
Following the clearance mission, the patrol occupied a tactical ambush position along a suspected terrorist route to monitor movement and deter any attempt by insurgents to infiltrate the area.
Military sources described the patrol as hitch-free, adding that troops maintained a high level of vigilance throughout the operation.
The clearance mission forms part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, which is aimed at sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, preventing their return to previously cleared locations, and creating a secure environment for civilian populations to carry out their livelihoods.
Sources added that the general security situation in the area remained calm but fluid, while the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops were reported to be satisfactory.
Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested two suspected Boko Haram members during a clearance operation conducted along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum axis in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on July 22 by troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).
The joint security team, mounted on a gun truck and 10 motorcycles, conducted the operation along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum route, extending to the Nguma area as part of ongoing efforts to clear suspected terrorist hideouts and deny insurgents freedom of movement.
During the operation, troops apprehended two suspected Boko Haram members identified as Sidi Shagari, 42, and Abubakar Sadiq, popularly known as “Buba,” 25, both natives of Birni in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Items recovered from the suspects included two mobile phones, three cutlasses, one dagger, and the sum of N9,500.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken to the Abogo Largema Cantonment for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said the operation forms part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, a theatre-wide offensive aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, dismantling insurgent networks, and enhancing security across the North-East.
The sources added that although the general security situation across the theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance while morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno
Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during a coordinated raid operation in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 2:00 p.m. on July 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers in Jegalari village.
The sources said troops of the 233 Battalion, deployed at Damaturu Military Cantonment, stormed the hideout in conjunction with the local hunters, leading to the arrest of five suspects identified as Hassan Lawan (28), Isah Bello (30), Haruna Suleiman (20), Ibrahim Bello (20), and Ahmadu Haruna (19).
During the operation, security personnel recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, three Tecno mobile phones, and one Android phone.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are indigenes of Ririn Village in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State. They identified themselves as members of the Fulani ethnic group and claimed to be cattle rearers.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation to determine their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Military sources said the successful operation forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts by Operation HADIN KAI and other security stakeholders to dismantle kidnapping and criminal networks operating across the North-East and adjoining states.
The security situation in the area was reported to be calm after the operation, although security forces remain on alert to prevent any retaliatory or related criminal activities.
Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe
Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno
Air Component OPHK Neutralises Terrorists in Precision Night Strike on ISWAP Hideout in Southern Lake Chad
1 Brigade dismantles terrorist camps, seizes heavy weapons in sustained Zamfara offensive
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