ISWAP fighters surrender in Niger Republic after ‘fleeing from Boko Haram attacks’

Ten members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) have reportedly surrendered to the Niger Republic armed forces. 

According to Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the ISWAP fighters had earlier escaped Boko Haram’s attacks in Kayowa and Toumbun Gini – north-eastern communities in the Lake Chad – before being accosted by security forces in Tumour, Niger Republic. 

TheCable learnt that the ISWAP fighters surrendered on  Tuesday due to the fear of battlefield elimination following intensified rival attacks. 

The publication said continuous rival attacks between December 31, 2022, and  January 8, 2023, by Boko Haram on ISWAP bases have caused the death of scores of its fighters.

Zagazola Makama said the sustained onslaught led Abu Umaimah, the Boko Haram leader had led to the destruction of the strategic bases of ISWAP in Toumbum Allura,  Kurnawa, Kayowa, and Toumbun Gini. 

The attacks have also reportedly forced ISWAP’s Abu Moussab al-Barnawi and other commanders to flee. 

“The continued rivalry clash between JAS and ISWAP seems unending as several efforts by the groups to join forces against the Nigerian military and MNJTF appears impossible,” the publication said. 

“It is against this backdrop that ISWAP is desperately seeking the support of foreign ISIS mercenaries from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Somalia to help them defeat the JAS.”

Zagazola Makama reported that Albarnawwy, returned to Lake Chad on January 10 with 300 fighters to announce a major onslaught against the Boko Haram terrorist groups. 

The publication added that while the development had influenced military operations positively, Operation Hadin Kai could leverage the clashes to sustain its operation to finally decimate terrorists’ activities in the region.