By: Zagazola Makama
A brutal and intense battle between Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and the Boko Haram rival faction has resulted in significant casualties and territorial shifts in the North Eastern Lake Chad region of Borno State.
According to counter-insurgency expert and Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, at least 100 fighters from both factions were killed in the clashes, which occurred on the island of Toumbun Gini in Abadam Local Government Area (LGA) 10 days ago.
Impeccable sources revealed that the Bakoura (aka Abu Umaima)-led JAS Buduma fighters launched a surprise attack on the ISWAP faction positioned on the shores of their headquarters at Toumbun Gini, resulting in severe losses for ISWAP, with over 90 members killed.
JAS lost 10 fighters, with others fleeing with bullet wounds.
The JAS Buduma fighters captured weapons and equipment during the battle and subsequently seized control of nearby areas from ISWAP, including Toumbun Kare and Toumbun Rogo in Abadam LGA.
This latest clash is part of a series of deadly encounters between the rival factions. On July 6, 2024, JAS fighters launched a deadly attack on ISWAP positions in Kwatar Shalla Shuwari, killing 16 fighters and capturing 8 water vessels, several weapons, and a large amount of cash (Naira).
The captured items were later delivered to the Boko Haram leader Abu Umaima at Alli Modulla Camp, Diffa, Republic of Niger.
In another encounter on July 8, 2024, in Dawashi Kwalta, over 20 ISWAP elements were neutralized, with others drowning while escaping via the river. Several items were also captured.
Currently, JAS controls most parts of the area, but the situation remains fluid and volatile, with ISWAP planning a reprisal mission.
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