Scores of terrorists have reportedly been killed after renewed fighting between rival insurgent groups, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), also known as Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in parts of the Lake Chad Islands.
Security sources said the confrontation took place around Mangari and Tumbun Allura, where fighters from both groups fought for control of strategic locations and logistics routes within the Lake Chad basin, Zagazola Makama said.
Initial intelligence suggested JAS had the upper hand in the early stages of the clash, killing dozens of ISWAP fighters and seizing two boats before withdrawing to its stronghold in Kurnawa.
The casualty numbers could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The latest confrontation is thought to be part of a long-standing feud between the two terrorist factions over territory, recruitment networks, supply routes and influence across the Lake Chad Islands.
Security sources said both groups had attacked each other repeatedly as they tried to dominate areas that were seen as important to their operations.
The seizure of the two boats was significant, as watercraft are often used to ferry fighters, weapons, food and other supplies in the difficult terrain of the Lake Chad waterways, it said.
Military formations around the lake were reportedly put on heightened alert amid fears that fleeing ISWAP fighters could spread into nearby communities and operational areas.
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Troops deployed in Mallam Fatori, Baga, Cross Kauwa, Kukawa and other locations around the lake were said to be closely monitoring the movements of surviving fighters.
Security assessments warned the terrorists might try isolated attacks, IED ambushes or other strikes while trying to evade pressure and rebuild their operational capacity.
Sources also said the growing rivalry could prompt more defections and surrenders by fighters disillusioned by the continuing fighting between the factions.
The development could weaken the groups temporarily by cutting their manpower, limiting their access to supplies and disrupting their command structures.
But security officials warned that the clashes could also have unpredictable consequences, including reprisal attacks and changes in the terrorists’ movement patterns.
Military authorities were reported to be mulling intensified operations to take advantage of what security officials said was a temporary weakening of ISWAP.
The proposed measures include intensified offensive patrols, precision fire operations and expanded intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities across the Lake Chad Islands.
The operations are expected to help track fleeing fighters, stop them from regrouping and cut down on threats to civilian communities and military positions.
While internal clashes could weaken both factions, security sources cautioned that they might also expose communities around the lake to fresh attacks as surviving fighters seek new hideouts, supplies and targets.
