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Confusion and mistrust have reportedly rocked a factional camp of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State after a senior commander was allegedly killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by his own group.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the deadly incident, which occurred on February 24 in parts of the Lake Chad Basin, has triggered internal discord and heightened tensions among insurgent fighters already battling rival factions and sustained military offensives.
The commander, identified as Abu Kasim, was said to have died when an IED planted by his faction detonated along a route where he was operating. The blast reportedly happened amid fierce clashes between ISWAP elements and fighters loyal to Boko Haram.
The development sparked outrage within the camp, as a unit intelligence member (UIM) reportedly confronted a senior figure, Amir Musa, demanding clarity over the deaths of two fighters — Abu Kasim and another member, Abu Nazir.
Sources disclosed that Abu Nazir was allegedly eliminated by fellow ISWAP elements following an encounter with Boko Haram fighters believed to have been behind the earlier killing of Abu Kasim. The overlapping claims of responsibility and counter-accusations have deepened suspicion within the ranks.
Insiders say the twin deaths point to possible friendly fire, operational blunders and a serious breakdown in coordination among insurgents.
The incident also underscores the lingering hostility between ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), widely known as Boko Haram, despite both groups emerging from the same extremist roots.
Security analysts believe the internal fractures could further weaken the operational cohesion of the terror factions, even as Nigerian forces continue to mount pressure on enclaves across the North-East.
For residents of Borno and surrounding communities, the infighting may signal cracks within the insurgency — but also a volatile phase marked by unpredictability as rival factions turn their weapons on each other.
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