Several terrorists killed as Rivalry clash intensifies between Boko Haram, ISWAP Sambisa
By: Zagazola Makama
Fresh fighting has erupted between rival insurgent factions in the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno, as renewed hostilities spread across parts of Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas.
Reliable sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest round of clashes was initiated by a factional force under a notorious commander known as Abba Tukurre, who, alongside his lieutenants Bunjumma and Ali Kalumbo, launched coordinated attacks on several enclaves held by a rival group.
The offensive reportedly began at Gazuwa Camp a strategic stronghold in the Sambisa area of Bama Local government area where the attacking faction succeeded in dislodging its rivals after hours of intense gunfire.
Follow-up operations were said to have been carried out in nearby locations including Kashimeri, Katchi, and Bula Musaye, where several hideouts were overrun.
Sources further indicated that another factional commander, Abu-Rijal, also known as Ba-Sulhu, led reinforcements from the Mandara Mountain axis and engaged the rival group at Bula Marwaye before converging with other fighters at Goneri to plan subsequent strikes.
By late Wednesday, reports suggested that the attacking faction had taken control of Gargash, Minna, and Garin Massa Kaje, and established new checkpoints in the Yamut and Jungule areas.
Night operations were also conducted to pursue fleeing elements of the rival group, though no fresh contact was confirmed as of Thursday morning.
Zagazola Makama believe the resurgence of inter-factional violence could temporarily reduce the threat of coordinated attacks on civilian and military targets, as both sides turn their attention to internal supremacy battles.
However, there are indications that other cells operating in the southern Lake Chad, Tumbun Fulani, and Bulumkutu–Geidam corridors may exploit the chaos to stage retaliatory or diversionary strikes.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the theatre are maintaining heightened vigilance to counter possible surprise offensives as the situation continues to unfold across the region.
