‘Over 40 insurgents killed’ as ISWAP, Boko Haram clash in Borno

Several fighters of the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) have reportedly lost their lives during a clash between the two camps in Borno state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, said the fight took place on Wednesday when ISWAP attacked Boko Haram fighters in Duguri, Kukawa LGA of Borno.

The publication said several Boko Haram commanders were killed during the clash.

“At least 41 fighters from the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), including commanders killed after an infighting that broke out Wednesday in the north east of Borno state,” the publication reads.

“It was gathered that the ISWAP terrorists who came on several canoes attacked the Bakoura Buduma-led faction of Boko Haram in the axis of Duguri in Kukawa Local Government Area.

“Impeccable sources aware of the clash told Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region, that the bloody encounter left 41 fighters killed on both sides including commanders of the group.

“He said that the ISWAP dealt a heavy blow on the Boko Haram terrorists, leaving many of their commanders killed.

“The source listed some of the commanders to include; Modu Kayi, Abbah Musa, Isa Muhammed, Ibrahim Ali, Kanai Zakariya and Bula Salam, Isuhu Alhaji Umaru, Dogo Salman and Abdulrahman Malam Musa among others.

“Clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP became increasingly common and intense, notably, in Borno state’s Sambisa forest and the Lake Chad region.

“The ISWAP were now having an upper hand following defection of one Abou Idris, a former chief of operation of Boko Haram, who joined ISWAP to fight his former group.”