On Friday, a ferocious battle broke out in Borno State between rival terrorist factions Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), resulting in numerous losses on both sides.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, JAS fighters coordinated an attack on ISWAP strongholds in Abadam Local Government Area, specifically targeting camps at Toumbun Gini and Toumbun Ali.
The assault began early on February 14, with JAS militants arriving on many watercraft vessels and battling ISWAP forces in fierce action that lasted until late evening.
High-ranking commanders were killed.
Several high-ranking ISWAP commanders were killed during the battle, particularly those from the Buduma ethnic group. A key individual was killed during a savage massacre of farmers in Kukawa on January 12 and 13.
“Boko Haram killed more than 31 ISWAP fighters, but the death toll could be higher,” a source told me. JAS fighters overran ISWAP positions, taking guns and equipment before retiring.
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JAS militants from Bokorram Island are apparently preparing a follow-up attack on ISWAP positions in Gemu and Mallam Karamti, escalating the conflict.
Makama predicts additional conflicts, especially in Kukawa Local Government Area, as JAS’s campaign against ISWAP escalates.
