The Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) and the late Abubakar Shekau’s faction of Boko Haram are said to have engaged in internal fighting over the past three days that has reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous terrorists.
Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region, learned that on December 3, Ali Ngulde, the notorious leader of Boko Haram, led hundreds of fighters equipped with weapons from the Mandara mountains to attack ISWAP positions in a massive assault against the rival group.
Intelligence sources also told Makama that the clash began in the camp of Yuwe, which triggered a heavy firefight and Ngulde’s fighters overpowered the ISWAP elements and nutrialised about 12 of them and seized their weapons.
Shortly, sources said, the Boko Haram fighters quickly mobilized more fighters from Abu Ikilima’s camp at Gaizuwa, Gabchari, Mantari and Mallum Masari.
According to the counterinsurgency expert, more than 23 ISWAP fighters were said to have been killed on December 4, when the Shekau’s faction of the Boko Haram group divided themselves into two groups and raided ISWAP positions in Ukuba, Arra and Sabil Huda.
Zagazola understands that on Sunday night, reinforcement team of the ISWAP camps were sighted around the axis of Kawuri and Aulari, where in the morning on Monday a top ISWAP leader, Ba’ana Chingori, led a column of fighters to attack Boko Haram position in Farisu.
The infight between the two terrorists factions has left dozens of fighters killed.