Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) engaged in a bloody conflict in Borno State on Friday, with significant losses on both sides.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency specialist, was informed by sources that JAS forces attacked ISWAP strongholds in Abadam Local Government Area in a well-planned assault, focusing on the camps at Toumbun Gini and Toumbun Ali.
Early on February 14, JAS militants arrived in several watercraft vessels and engaged ISWAP forces in fierce action that continued until late in the evening.
High-Level Leaders Killed
Several senior ISWAP commanders were killed in the conflict, mostly members of the Buduma ethnic group. According to reports, one of the important individuals slain was complicit in the heinous slaughter of numerous farmers in Kukawa on January 12 and 13.
According to a source, “Boko Haram killed over 31 ISWAP fighters, but the death toll could be higher.” ISWAP outposts were overrun by JAS fighters, who took guns and necessary supplies before fleeing.
According to reports, JAS militants from Bokorram Island are preparing for a follow-up attack on ISWAP strongholds in Gemu and Mallam Karamti, marking yet another escalation.
Makama stated that when JAS steps up its fight against ISWAP, more conflicts are anticipated, especially inside Kukawa Local Government Area.
