Boko Haram and ISWAP fight, leaving dozens of terrorists dead in Lake Chad

The Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) and the late Abubakar Shekau’s group of Boko Haram are said to have engaged in an internal battle over the past three days that has allegedly resulted in the deaths of several terrorists.

Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region learned that on December 3, Ali Ngulde, the notorious leader of Boko Haram, led hundreds of fighters equipped with weapons from the Mandara mountains to attack ISWAP positions in a massive assault against the rival group.

Makama was also informed by intelligence sources that the battle started in the Yuwe camp, which led to a fierce gunfight. Ngulde’s forces eventually overwhelmed the ISWAP members, neutralized around 12 of them, and took their guns.

The Boko Haram members soon organized more fighters from Abu Ikilima’s camp in Gaizuwa, Gabchari, Mantari, and Mallum Masari, according to reports.

The counterinsurgency expert claims that on December 4, when the Shekau’s division of Boko Haram split into two groups and stormed ISWAP strongholds in Ukuba, Arra, and Sabil Huda, more than 23 ISWAP members were alleged to have been slain.

According to Zagazola, ISWAP reinforcement teams were seen along the axis of Kawuri and Aulari on Sunday night. On Monday morning, Ba’ana Chingori, a prominent ISWAP commander, led a column of militants to strike a Boko Haram stronghold in Farisu.

Dozens of combatants have died as a result of the internal conflict between the two terrorist organizations.