Dozens killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP factions clash in Borno

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

A violent confrontation between Boko Haram’s Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunna lid-Da‘wa wa’l-Jihād (JAS) faction and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly left dozens dead in Toumbun Gini, an island community in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

Abadam, which borders Niger Republic, is part of the Northern Borno Senatorial District. Security sources said the clash occurred on Sunday afternoon around 3 p.m. following an offensive by ISWAP fighters, who allegedly deployed several boats to regain control of the island, reportedly under JAS control.

According to the sources, intelligence reached JAS fighters ahead of the attack, allowing them to mount a counter-ambush. “The first shots were decisive. JAS fighters overpowered them within minutes. ISWAP was routed,” one source said.

Reports indicate that more than 50 ISWAP fighters were killed and several boats seized, while remaining vessels reportedly retreated with casualties. Video clips purporting to show the aftermath circulated online.

Other observers described the clash as part of ongoing rivalry between the two factions over territorial control in the Lake Chad islands. Analysts noted that while the conflict has weakened the groups’ capacity for large-scale operations, it has also created smaller, harder-to-track cells that may pose security challenges to surrounding communities.

Security experts said the situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Nigerian forces to restrict insurgent movements and deny space for regrouping.

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