About 100 terrorists have reportedly been killed as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters engaged in fierce internal clashes across parts of Borno State.
Counter-insurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed on Monday that Boko Haram appears to have gained an advantage, overrunning several ISWAP camps during the fighting. Makama said he would release further updates, including visuals, noting that his cameraman was “doing a wonderful job.”
Earlier reports indicated both groups were battling for control of strategic island settlements in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas.
According to Makama, the clashes occurred between November 5 and 8, 2025, across Sahel 1, Dogon Chuku, Mangari, and riverine strongholds including Tumbun Gini, Tumbun Dalo, Tumbun Shanu, Mangari, and Dumba.
The fighting was reportedly led on the Boko Haram side by commanders Hassan Buduma and Mohd Hassan, who launched a coordinated attack on ISWAP positions using multiple motorized watercraft fitted with heavy weapons. The militants were said to have advanced from Tumbun Gini and struck ISWAP bases in what Makama described as an “amphibious attack in insurgent style.”
NAN earlier reported heightened tensions in the region as both groups continue to struggle for influence in the Lake Chad basin.