Anthony Iwuoma
Boko Haram insurgents have seized operational bases of its rival, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), thereby putting to flight 11 commanders alongside a cleric, Abu Moussab al-Barnawi, in the Lake Chad region of Borno State.
According to counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, the attack was “led by the Boko Haram leader, Abu Umaimah, and some commanders also led to the killing of about 100 ISWAP terrorists.”
Many ISWAP terrorists were reportedly overpowered during the 14-hour gun duel.
Makama added that gun trucks and other weapons belonging to ISWAP were destroyed during the attack.
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Speaking further, he said: “On January 8, the Boko Haram fighters also attacked another ISWAP base located North of Kayowa and Toumbun Gini,” adding that about 35 ISWAP fighters were injured.
“The Boko Haram fighters chased the ISWAP fighters towards Kangarwa and Dogon Chuku axes, killing more fighters in the Lake Chad region.”
He also disclosed that Boko Haram captured the major market of ISWAP at Toumbun Gini.
However, a military source in Maiduguri also confirmed the report, saying: “The violent clashes commenced on December 31, 2022, after the Boko Haram faction attacked three armoury bases of ISWAP at Toumbum Allura Kurnawa and Kangar in Abadam Local Council,”