Dozens of militants have been killed in intense infighting between rival factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State's Sambisa Forest region and Mandara Mountains.
According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the latest violence began on January 3, 2026, when ISWAP forces, led by commanders Jundullah and Ibn Hataf, launched a raid on Boko Haram camps near the Ali Ngulde area in the Mandara Mountains.
Boko Haram fighters, coordinated by a commander known as Abu-Rijal (or Ba-Sulhu), repelled the attack with a counter-ambush. Dozens of ISWAP militants were reportedly killed, others captured, and weapons, including AK-47 rifles, a general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), an anti-aircraft gun, and ammunition were seized.
Circulating footage, obtained by Zagazola Makama, depicts captured ISWAP fighters being executed in front of others, highlighting the brutal nature of the ongoing rivalry in the Lake Chad region's forested hideouts.
The tide turned on January 6 when ISWAP mounted a counteroffensive against a Boko Haram position in the Sabil Huda area. After hours of heavy gunfire, ISWAP overran the site, killing at least 12 Boko Haram fighters and capturing more weapons.
The clashes displaced Boko Haram families, including women and children, who fled contested camps to safer areas around Yale General. Nighttime pursuits targeted escaping fighters, but no additional major engagements were reported by mid-week.
This escalation stems from deep-seated ideological splits, leadership rivalries, and competition for control over territory, resources, and recruits. Both groups are reportedly regrouping and rearming in anticipation of further confrontations.
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