ISWAP Ambush Leaves Top Boko Haram Commanders Dead In Borno

A violent clash has reportedly broken out between rival insurgent factions in Borno State, with fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) ambushing members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram, leaving several senior commanders feared dead.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the attack occurred around the Gargash area near Bula Murge in Bama Local Government Area, where ISWAP fighters allegedly launched a surprise assault on their rivals.

According to the report, the ambush inflicted heavy casualties on the JAS faction, with senior commanders including Abu Ubaida, Modu Kori, Alhaji Modu, Mure, Zarkawi, Sheriff and Modu Maye reportedly killed.

Intercepted communications also indicated that surviving JAS members had begun evacuating their women and children to Bula Daloye after their camps were overrun.

“The attack forced surviving JAS fighters into disarray, with intercepted communications indicating that the group had begun plans to evacuate its women and families to Bula Daloye following the destruction of their camps,” the report said.

The report added that ISWAP fighters set Bula Murge and Nguro Bafuye, two settlements previously occupied by the JAS faction, ablaze, destroying key shelters and logistics facilities.

Security sources reportedly believe the confrontation has significantly weakened the JAS faction and created an opportunity for Nigerian troops to intensify ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the area.

Military authorities were said to have directed troops operating around Miyanti, Bama, Kumshe and neighbouring communities to sustain offensive operations to prevent either faction from regrouping or establishing new operational bases.