Heavy fighting has broken out between rival factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State, as renewed hostilities spread across parts of Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas.
Reliable sources told security analyst Zagazola Makama that the latest round of infighting began when a faction loyal to a notorious commander, Abba Tukurre, alongside his lieutenants Bunjumma and Ali Kalumbo, launched a coordinated offensive against rival camps.
The assault reportedly started at Gazuwa Camp, a major stronghold in the Sambisa area of Bama, where Tukurre’s fighters overpowered their opponents after hours of fierce gunfire.
Subsequent raids targeted nearby enclaves in Kashimeri, Katchi, and Bula Musaye, where several hideouts were overrun.
Another factional commander, Abu-Rijal (also known as Ba-Sulhu), was said to have mobilized reinforcements from the Mandara Mountains and engaged rival elements at Bula Marwaye, before linking up with other units at Goneri to strategize further attacks.
By late Wednesday, reports indicated that the attacking faction had seized control of Gargash, Minna, and Garin Massa Kaje, establishing new checkpoints around Yamut and Jungule.
Night operations were also launched to hunt down fleeing fighters, though no additional engagements were confirmed as of Thursday morning.
Zagazola Makama observed that the renewed internal conflict could temporarily reduce coordinated attacks on civilian and military targets, as both sides focus on asserting territorial dominance.
However, intelligence sources warn that other cells operating around the southern Lake Chad, Tumbun Fulani, and Bulumkutu–Geidam corridors may exploit the chaos to launch retaliatory strikes.
Meanwhile, troops under Operation HADIN KAI remain on high alert to counter potential surprise offensives as the situation continues to evolve in the region.
