Dozens Feared Dead As Boko Haram, ISWAP Clash In Fierce Lake Chad Battle

Dozens of fighters are feared dead following a violent clash between rival terrorist groups, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in the Lake Chad region.

The battle reportedly took place around Mangari and Tumbun Allura, where both groups fought for control of key areas within the Lake Chad basin.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, JAS fighters gained the upper hand during the confrontation, killing dozens of ISWAP members before capturing two of the group’s boats.

The report said the JAS fighters later retreated to their stronghold in Kurnawa with the seized boats.

The boats are considered valuable because they are used to transport fighters, weapons, food supplies and other logistics across the waterways of Lake Chad.

“The reported seizure of the boats is considered significant, as watercraft remain a critical means of transportation for fighters, weapons, food supplies and other logistics across the difficult terrain of the Lake Chad waterways,” the report stated.

Following the clash, security forces deployed in Mallam Fatori, Baga, Cross Kauwa, Kukawa and other communities around the Lake Chad axis have reportedly been placed on high alert.

Intelligence sources warned that surviving ISWAP fighters could flee into nearby communities, increasing the risk of fresh attacks, improvised explosive device (IED) ambushes and retaliatory assaults.

The report added that military authorities are considering intensifying offensive operations, including increased patrols and enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities, to stop fleeing insurgents from regrouping and launching further attacks.