ISWAP attacks Boko Haram fighters fleeing military airstrike in Borno

The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly attacked a group of Boko Haram fighters in Bama LGA of Borno.

ISWAP is a factional group that broke out of Boko Haram over leadership disagreement. Abubakar Shekau, leader of Boko Haram, was reportedly killed in a clash with ISWAP in 2021.

According to Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the Boko Haram fighters were part of the people who escaped a joint operation carried by troops of operation Hadin Kai with its air task force.

A source was quoted to have said said the Boko Haram fighters fled to an area in Cingori and Yuwe, a territory of ISWAP fighters to seek refuge when they were attacked.

The source said the ISWAP fighters upon sighting the Boko Haram fighters opened fire on them.

The source said ISWAP held its fire when the fighters realised the rival group was made up of mostly children and women.

“Unfortunately for the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād,  an Islamic terrorist groups and their families, they were attacked by their rivals, the ISWAP who occupied Cingori and Yuwe,” the source was quoted as saying.

“They came in their hundreds, many of them without cloths or shoes. Only few of them are holding arms.  They have only four motorcycles with two conveying the Commanders.

“They looked very tired, many of them had their clothes soaked by the rain. Shortly after they were given the chance, they  moved  toward the axis of Bulabulin.”

Earlier, the troops had carried out an offensive on the hideouts of Boko Haram fighters in Gabchari, Sheruri, Mantari and Mallum Masari villages in Bama LGA. About 200 Boko Haram fighters including five of its commanders were killed in the attack.

In the recent weeks, the military has continued to intensify efforts in fighting the insurgents.