Members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), who are commonly known as Boko Haram, have reportedly launched multiple strategic attacks against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), resulting in significant casualties in northern Borno State.
This was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad area in a report on Thursday.
The attacks, reportedly carried out between December 23 and 24, have resulted in the dislodgement of several ISWAP camps and the seizure of valuable equipment, the report said.
According to the report, sources said the strikes occurred in known ISWAP strongholds, including Toumbun Gini, Mangari, Toumbun Saje, and Metele.
The Boko Haram fighters overpowered their ISWAP counterparts, inflicting heavy casualties and stealing 20 motorcycles owned by ISWAP.
“The assaults culminated in the destruction of the camps, forcing ISWAP militants to flee in disarray, with eyewitness accounts describing them escaping without shoes and with only the clothes on their backs,” it said.
“It was observed that ISWAP appears to be avoiding direct confrontations with JAS in the immediate future, focusing instead on rebuilding its strength.
“However, there are growing concerns regarding the expanding influence of Boko Haram which is reportedly gaining ground across northern Borno.”
In August, about ISWAP 100 fighters and Boko Haram terrorists reportedly lost their lives during a clash in the Lake Chad region.
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