‘Many terrorists killed’ as ISWAP, Boko Haram clash in Lake Chad

Several fighters of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly lost their lives during a clash in the Lake Chad region.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the clashes started on January 15.

ISWAP is a faction of Boko Haram that excised after a leadership dispute.

Over the years, the two terrorist groups have had a series of clashes that led to the killing of members.

During a multiple clash in March 2023, more than 300 Boko Haram members were killed following an attack by ISWAP fighters.

This development followed a massive surrender of about 443 Boko Haram terrorists, including members of their families who escaped the attacks.

The publication said the ISWAP fighters launched an attack on the camp of one Abou Huraryra, a suspected leader of the Buduma faction of Boko Haram.

During the recent clash, the ISWAP fighters were said to have been led by one Ali Kwaya and Abou Hussaini from Kirta and Ngala LGAs in Borno.

The ISWAP insurgents arrived in seven canoes with fighters who engaged the Boko Haram group in a gun battle that lasted for about one hour.

The publication said more terrorists were killed in the ISWAP group, adding that they returned with only two out of the seven canoes that conveyed them.