A fierce battle between rival terrorist factions Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly left about one hundred fighters dead, with Boko Haram said to be gaining the upper hand.
Counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the development on Monday, said Boko Haram forces have been sweeping through and taking over several ISWAP camps. He noted that more details, including videos and photographs, would be released, adding that his new cameraman was capturing the conflict effectively.
The report however did not stated explicitly where the clash happened.
Nigerian Newssphere had earlier reported escalating clashes between the two groups over control of key island territories in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State. According to Makama, the confrontations occurred between November 5 and 8, 2025, across strategic locations including Sahel 1, Dogon Chuku, Mangari, Tumbun Gini, Tumbun Dalo, Tumbun Shanu, and Dumba.
Boko Haram commanders identified as Hassan Buduma and Mohd Hassan reportedly led coordinated offensives using motorized boats mounted with heavy weapons. The fighters were said to have advanced from Tumbun Gini in a dawn assault described as “an amphibious attack in insurgent style,” targeting several ISWAP strongholds along the riverine axis.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the reported casualties as of filing the report.
