Scores of fighters were reportedly killed during a week-long surge of violent infighting between rival jihadist factions, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), across parts of the Sambisa Forest axis in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the renewed hostilities began on January 3, following a coordinated ISWAP raid targeting Boko Haram camps around the Ali Ngulde axis of the Mandara Mountains.
According to the sources, the ISWAP assault was led by two commanders identified as Jundullah and Ibn Hataf. The fighters reportedly stormed camps loyal to the Boko Haram faction in what was described as a calculated offensive.
However, the attack was met with stiff resistance as Boko Haram fighters mounted a counter-ambush under the coordination of a field commander known as Abu-Rijal, also called Ba-Sulhu.
Dozens of ISWAP fighters were said to have been killed during the clash, while several others were captured alive, with weapons seized by Boko Haram fighters.
Footage that resurfaced during the week and was reportedly obtained by Zagazola Makama showed captured ISWAP fighters being executed before other combatants, amid claims of victory by the Boko Haram faction.
The video underscored the brutality that has continued to characterise the long-standing rivalry between the two terror groups within forested enclaves of the Lake Chad region in Borno State.
During the initial clashes, heavy weapons were said to have been recovered, including AK-47 rifles, a general-purpose machine gun, an anti-aircraft gun and assorted ammunition.
However, the balance of power reportedly shifted days later. On January 6, ISWAP fighters were said to have launched a retaliatory assault on a Boko Haram stronghold in the Sabil Huda axis.
The attack triggered a prolonged exchange of heavy gunfire that lasted several hours. Sources said ISWAP forces eventually overran the position, killing at least 12 Boko Haram fighters and seizing additional weapons.
Following the fighting, Boko Haram families, including women and children, were reportedly relocated from the contested camps to perceived safe areas around the Yale General axis.
Night operations were also said to have been conducted by both factions to track fleeing fighters, although no further confirmed engagements had been recorded as of Wednesday.
Sources noted that the renewed clashes reflect a long-running rivalry rooted in ideological differences, leadership disputes and competition over territory, resources and fighters.
Both Boko Haram and ISWAP factions were said to be re-arming and repositioning, raising fears of further confrontations in the coming days.