Rival groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province are engaged in renewed clashes in the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas of Borno State, security analyst Zagazola Makama said on Saturday.
Makama, citing intelligence from insurgent enclaves, disclosed the development in a post on X. He said details emerged from a Thursday conversation between a suspected Boko Haram fighter identified as Ba Musa, believed to operate in the Sambisa axis of Bama Local Government Area, and an associate known as “Ya Kazalla.”
During the exchange, Kazalla reportedly sought clarification on claims that ISWAP fighters had recorded major gains against Boko Haram. Musa disputed the claims and said Boko Haram had inflicted heavy losses on ISWAP.
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Musa claimed about 100 ISWAP fighters were killed in a confrontation on April 29 in the Sambisa Forest. He also said seven ISWAP members were killed in a separate clash near a forested area in Molai, Konduga Local Government Area. He added that Boko Haram suffered minimal casualties, with one fighter, identified as Munzir from Gamargu, reported killed.
The claims have not been independently verified. Makama noted that such internal clashes are difficult to confirm but often result in significant casualties and disruptions to command structures on both sides.
The rivalry has developed alongside the groups’ insurgency against state forces. Sambisa Forest, adjoining corridors and the Lake Chad region remain strategic strongholds for insurgent factions and key theatres for inter-group conflict and military operations.
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