ISWAP Attacks Rival Group In Borno

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly overrun a major Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave in Gazwa, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, following a fierce clash between the rival insurgent groups.

JAS is a violent extremist militant group based primarily in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.

According to intelligence sources cited by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the confrontation was triggered by the alleged theft of about N40m from ISWAP logisticians operating along the Gazwa-Kwaltafarji axis.

The development reportedly emerged from the debriefing of recently surrendered JAS fighters, who provided intelligence on the escalating rivalry between the two factions.

The sources said a JAS commander identified as Munzir allegedly ambushed ISWAP logisticians transporting cash and supplies.

One ISWAP operative was reportedly killed during the attack, while the JAS fighters seized an AK-pattern rifle and escaped with approximately N40m.

The stolen funds were allegedly handed over to a senior JAS commander in Gazwa, identified as Baafu, who reportedly transferred the money to another senior commander, Ali Ngulde, believed to be operating from the Mandara Mountains.

The money was subsequently distributed among JAS commanders and fighters, according to the intelligence sources.

The attack reportedly angered ISWAP commanders, who viewed the incident as a challenge to their authority and logistics network.

About 10 days after the ambush, ISWAP allegedly mobilised fighters from Yuwe, Sambisa Forest and Zangeri and launched a coordinated dawn assault on JAS positions in the Gazwa enclave.

The battle reportedly lasted several hours, with JAS fighters initially resisting the attack before additional ISWAP reinforcements arrived and overwhelmed the defenders.

The JAS fighters subsequently abandoned the enclave, allowing ISWAP to establish control over the Gazwa camp, the sources said.

However, intelligence indicates that ISWAP remains cautious and could withdraw if the displaced JAS faction launches a significant counterattack.

Military sources cited by Zagazola Makama said the ongoing rivalry between the two factions could further expose weaknesses within their ranks and create opportunities for security forces to disrupt their operations.

The sources said intelligence gathering was continuing to track movements by both groups and prevent them from regrouping or establishing new operational bases.

The latest confrontation is part of a broader series of clashes between ISWAP and JAS as the rival factions compete for territory, resources and influence in the North-East.

Days earlier, intelligence monitored by Zagazola Makama reportedly indicated that ISWAP fighters ambushed a JAS faction around Bula Murge in the Gargash area of Bama Local Government Area.

Several senior JAS commanders, including Abu Ubaida, Modu Kori, Alhaji Modu, Mure, Zarkawi, Sheriff and Modu Maye, were reportedly killed in the attack.

The clash also allegedly led to the destruction of JAS camps at Bula Murge and Nguro Bafuye, forcing surviving fighters to relocate their families towards Bula Daloye.

The renewed fighting highlights the continuing internal rivalry between the two insurgent factions amid sustained military operations against terrorist groups in the North-East.

Security sources said the ongoing pressure, including military offensives and air operations, has affected the groups’ logistics, movement and operational capabilities.

The intelligence community is continuing to monitor the situation as both factions seek to consolidate their positions and recover from recent losses.