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

The exceptional brilliance of Coach Yusuf Alabi at Gombe United

By Barry Kalla

Gombe United’s relegation to the Nationwide League One (NLO) is one that is widely being perceived as a difficult pill to swallow and a rude shock to all football lovers in the state who would have wished it was a bad dream that they should hastily awake from, especially in view of the pedigree of the club and its role in putting smiles on the faces of millions of passionate fans week in, week out.

To them, it is one prophesy they wished was never fulfilled as many football analysts in the state had earlier raised the alarm regarding the manner the club was being managed and handled administratively but the warning was ignored and today, Gombe United has now achieved the opposite of the mandate set for it by the state which is Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ticket.

In the midst of all these, we must never forget the sacrifices that were made in spite of the club’s relegation. One of those sheer sacrifices is that of Coach Yusuf Salihu Alabi whose unmatchable commitment, diligence and true brilliance added value to Gombe United. Coach Alabi, as the Technical Adviser of the club invested a lot of technical know-how which could have paid off if he had enough time. The repairs and technical reforms gave Gombe United the pride of not getting relegated long before now.

Though the mandate of the club wasn’t met, but we must not fail to lavish our commendation where it is most needed and to Alabi, he deserves all the commendations in view of the state he met Gombe United and the impact he made within the short time available.

One of the beauties of life is that it maintains a balance, where every negative situation contains a hidden positive spark and without mincing words, Yusuf Alabi is that spark that must be celebrated for his exceptional efforts in building and rekindling hope at a time that the club was battling the worst performance in recent history.

Somehow, Alabi’s prowess came in good in terms of character building, professionalism, team unity, and rejigging the structural make-up of the team that produced some impressive results that repositioned the team and gave hope to numerous fans of Gombe United.

A quick look at the results, showed that on February 14, 2026 Jigawa Golden Stars defeated Gombe United 2-1; interestingly, though a defeat but it was the first time, Gombe United scored an away goal in months, prior to this match which was Alabi’s first on the job. The away goal was the hope the fans waited for in a long time. The next match was even a better outing as United beat visiting Bichi 2-1, before going to Kebbi to pick a point on the road with a goalless draw.

The other matches were a 1-1 draw with Yobe; 2-0 defeat away to Adamawa United and a 2-0 win at home against Ranchers on April 22, 2026. Analysis of the result under Alabi’s watch showed a departure from the norm of frequent points losses both at home and away.

Alabi further proved that his Confederation of African Football (CAF) B License is not a mistake by winning the state F.A Cup for Gombe United and adding more value to the history of the club.

A glance at Alabi’s coaching and sports certification showed that he obtained his Basic Certificate in football coaching in 2008; Modern Trend in Football Coaching 2009; Youth Football Coaching and Admin 2011; BFUT Level 4 Coaching License (FIFA Endorsed) 2012.
Others include CAF “C” License 2014; CAF “B” License 2017; Pro Football Management Master Class (PFMMC) 2020; Coach the Coaches Refresher Course (Ghana) 2021; IOC Sports Administrator Course 2023; CAF License Coach Educator 2025 and IOC Sports Manager Course 2025.

With such rich CV, he has worked with over 22 clubs across the country before joining Gombe United. Indeed his wealth of experience has helped fortified Gombe United but for time and other administrative ills, Alabi would have restored the glory of Gombe United.

This write-up is to show appreciation to Coach Yusuf Alabi regardless of the circumstances.
We are proud of what he has done and in spite of the relegation his professionalism is not in doubt because he has proven that he can be trusted with any team even in NPFL to deliver the goods.l

barryanya@gmail.com
08037790307 Barry Kalla Gombe United Supporter

The exceptional brilliance of Coach Yusuf Alabi at Gombe United

Gombe partners media to boost polio, HPV vaccine uptake

The Gombe State Government has engaged media professionals and stakeholders to strengthen awareness on polio immunisation and boost vaccine uptake ahead of upcoming campaigns across communities in the state.

The engagement, on Thursday in Gombe, is part of preparations for the May round of Intensive Supplemental National Immunisation Plus Days (SNIPDs) campaign targeting improved coverage and community participation statewide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session with journalists and social media influencers was organised by the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA) to enhance public communication strategies.

The agency partnered with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Health Organization, and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to coordinate efforts aimed at increasing awareness and acceptance of vaccines among residents.

The May campaign will focus mainly on polio vaccination and the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, targeting children and young girls to prevent disease outbreaks and long-term health complications.

Mr Abubakar Mu’azu, District Health Information Officer, (GSPHCDA), highlighted the importance of awareness, urging media stakeholders to encourage caregivers to present eligible children for vaccination during the campaign period.

Mu’azu disclosed that more than 963,000 children were vaccinated against polio during the March 2026 round but noted a decline compared to previous exercises conducted within the state.

He said more than one million children were vaccinated in June 2025, while 968,710 received doses in November, stressing the need to reverse the downward trend through intensified advocacy.

He explained that engaging the media was a strategic step to improve public trust, counter misinformation, and drive increased participation in both routine immunisation and mass vaccination campaigns statewide.

Mr John Markez, Social and Behavioural Change Consultant with UNICEF, emphasised the importance of promoting polio and HPV vaccines in preventing disease outbreaks and reducing long-term health risks among populations.

“Not all cervical cancer issues are HPV related but about 70 per cent of them are associated with HPV.

“Capturing these girls at the age of nine provides long-lasting protection,” he said.

He added that mass vaccination campaigns and routine immunisation services had significantly reduced polio risks in Nigeria compared to levels recorded about 15 to 20 years ago nationwide.

Emily Madina, Consultant with the Christian Health Association of Nigeria, reiterated the critical role of the media in driving awareness, influencing behaviour, and improving vaccine acceptance in underserved communities.

Gombe partners media to boost polio, HPV vaccine uptake