No fewer than 200 fighters of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) have been reportedly killed in a violent clash with rival Boko Haram insurgents in the Lake Chad region of Borno State.According to local sources, the deadly confrontation occurred on November 10, when Boko Haram militants launched a surprise attack on ISWAP strongholds around the Kwaleram,
Kangar, and Daban Masara areas within the Lake Chad basin.It was gathered that the fierce battle, which lasted several hours, led to heavy casualties on both sides, with ISWAP suffering the greatest losses.
Residents reported hearing intense gunfire and explosions as the two terror groups fought for control of strategic territories in the area.Intelligence sources said the confrontation was triggered by a leadership dispute and rivalry over resources and territorial dominance between the two jihadist factions.
Boko Haram fighters loyal to the late Abubakar Shekau reportedly ambushed ISWAP members during a meeting, leading to an all-out war.Military officials have confirmed awareness of the clash, noting that the infighting has significantly weakened both terror factions.
Troops in the region have since intensified surveillance and are taking advantage of the chaos to launch fresh offensives against the remaining insurgents.The Lake Chad region has long served as a hideout and operational base for both ISWAP and Boko Haram, whose prolonged conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions in northeastern Nigeria.