BOKO HARAM, ISWAP CLASH IN SAMBISA FOREST AS OVER 23 TERRORISTS REPORTEDLY KILLED
At least 23 terrorists have reportedly been killed in renewed clashes between Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
The fighting reportedly took place around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area, where Boko Haram fighters launched an attack on ISWAP members who were advancing into the area.
Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, saying the latest confrontation was part of renewed hostilities between the two rival groups.
According to Makama, the two factions exchanged sustained gunfire as they battled for control of territory and sought to prevent each other from expanding their influence within the forest.
Preliminary intelligence indicated that more than 23 members of the rival groups had been killed since the latest round of fighting began. However, the exact number of casualties suffered by each faction could not be independently verified.
The renewed confrontation is believed to be linked to the longstanding rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters operating in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
Makama said the latest fighting could further weaken both terrorist groups and disrupt their activities in the region.
Security forces are reportedly monitoring developments and gathering intelligence on the movements of the rival factions as counter-terrorism operations continue across the North-East.
Residents in communities around Sambisa Forest have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security authorities.
