No fewer than 40 fighters have been reported killed following a deadly clash between rival terrorist factions, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram, in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
Security sources disclosed that the confrontation occurred within the forest axis, a known stronghold of insurgent groups.
According to the sources, the clash took place on April 27 at about 2:47 p.m., following exchanges between fighters operating around Bama Local Government Area and the wider Sambisa region.
A Boko Haram fighter identified as “MANYA” reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that his group engaged ISWAP fighters around the Gazwa camps.
He was quoted as saying that about 40 ISWAP fighters were killed during the confrontation.
The sources further revealed that several motorcycles and bicycles used by the insurgents were either seized or destroyed during the clash.
Some of the equipment were reportedly set ablaze in the course of the fighting, dealing a blow to the logistics capacity of the affected faction.
In a reported response, an ISWAP-linked affiliate acknowledged the incident, describing it as “good work” while offering prayers for the safety of their members.
Security sources noted that the ongoing rivalry between the factions has continued to weaken their operational cohesion within the Sambisa axis.
The sources added that troops are expected to take advantage of the infighting to further degrade the capabilities of the insurgent groups and restrict their movement within the forest.
They also stated that intelligence monitoring is ongoing, with authorities assessing further developments from the incident.