Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have reportedly captured a major Boko Haram faction stronghold after overrunning Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) positions in Borno State.
The reported takeover followed a violent dispute over about ₦40 million allegedly stolen from ISWAP logisticians operating along the Gazwa-Kwaltafarji axis.
Intelligence gathered from recently surrendered JAS fighters reportedly provided details of the confrontation, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.
However, the military had not independently confirmed the reported battle, casualties or territorial takeover at the time of filing this report.
According to intelligence sources, the dispute began when a JAS commander identified as Munzir allegedly attacked an ISWAP logistics team transporting cash and supplies.
One ISWAP operative was reportedly killed during the ambush. The attackers also allegedly seized an AK-pattern rifle and approximately ₦40 million.
The surviving members of the logistics team reportedly fled the area and alerted ISWAP commanders about the incident.
The stolen money was allegedly taken to a senior JAS commander in Gazwa, identified as Baafu, before being transferred to another senior figure, Ali Ngulde, believed to operate from the Mandara Mountains.
Intelligence obtained from surrendered fighters suggested that the funds were subsequently distributed among JAS commanders and other members of the faction.
For ISWAP, the incident reportedly went beyond the loss of money. It was viewed as a direct challenge to its logistics structure and influence in the area.
“ISWAP reportedly treated the seizure as an attack on its authority, rather than an isolated robbery,” intelligence sources said.
About 10 days after the alleged theft, ISWAP reportedly launched a coordinated offensive against JAS positions in Gazwa.
Fighters were said to have been mobilised from Yuwe, Sambisa Forest and Zangeri for the dawn assault.
JAS fighters initially resisted the attack, leading to a battle that reportedly continued for several hours.
The balance of power, however, shifted after reinforcements linked to ISWAP reportedly arrived from Sambisa Forest.
The additional fighters allegedly overwhelmed the JAS defenders, forcing surviving members of the faction to withdraw from Gazwa.
Gazwa had reportedly served as one of JAS’s key operational enclaves in the Bama axis before the latest fighting.
Sources said ISWAP subsequently took control of the abandoned position.
The development has not, however, been described as a permanent ISWAP victory. Intelligence reports indicated that the group could withdraw if JAS succeeds in assembling enough fighters for a counter-offensive.
Security forces are reportedly being encouraged to exploit the rivalry between the two insurgent factions.
Operations around the Gazwa-Kwaltafarji corridor and nearby areas are expected to focus on disrupting movements by both groups and preventing them from rebuilding their operational networks.
Intelligence agencies are also continuing to monitor the movements of fighters from ISWAP and JAS, particularly amid concerns that displaced insurgents could establish fresh bases elsewhere.
The reported Gazwa battle reflects the continuing struggle between the two factions over territory, resources, supply routes and influence across parts of northeastern Nigeria.
The latest clash came shortly after another reported ISWAP assault on JAS fighters around Bula Murge in the Gargash area of Bama Local Government Area.
Several senior JAS commanders were reportedly killed in that confrontation, including Abu Ubaida, Modu Kori, Alhaji Modu, Mure, Zarkawi, Sheriff and Modu Maye.
JAS camps at Bula Murge and Nguro Bafuye were also reportedly burned during the fighting.
The destruction and subsequent pressure reportedly forced surviving JAS members to move their families towards Bula Daloye as the faction faced renewed territorial pressure from its rival.