A fierce confrontation between rival Boko Haram factions and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad region, particularly in the village of Dogon Chiku, leaving over 100 fighters dead between Sunday and Monday.
Heavy gunfire could be clearly heard as fighters exchanged shots while moving on boats across the lake, shouting “Allahu Akbar!” during the intense clashes.
Early reports, including insights from security analyst Zagazola Makama, indicate that Boko Haram gained the upper hand, with initial casualty estimates reaching around 200 fighters.
The fighting is focused on the Lake Chad area, including Dogon Chiku and Abadam in Borno State.
Local anti-terror militias and intelligence sources suggest that the death toll could be as high as 200, with most casualties reportedly from ISWAP.
Boko Haram appears to have suffered minimal losses during the initial encounters.
The Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram is said to have made significant advances, overrunning ISWAP positions and capturing weapons and equipment.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, providing regular updates, confirmed both the high casualty figures and the success of Boko Haram’s offensive.
He reported: “Live battle between Boko Haram and ISWAP. So far casualties is more than 100 now. So far Boko Haram is defeating ISWAP and sweeping all their camps.”
The inter-jihadist conflict has persisted since the groups split in 2016, fueled by ideological differences and a fierce struggle for territorial control in the Lake Chad basin.
