More than 23 terrorists have reportedly been killed in renewed clashes between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
The latest fighting reportedly occurred around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area, where Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members who were moving into the area.
Counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post on X, saying the confrontation was part of a fresh wave of hostilities between the two terrorist groups.
Makama said the fighting, which reportedly began about two days ago, involved sustained exchanges of gunfire as both factions attempted to strengthen their positions and prevent their rivals from expanding their influence across the forest.
According to the security expert, preliminary intelligence indicates that more than 23 terrorists have been killed on both sides since the latest confrontation began. However, the individual casualty figures for Boko Haram and ISWAP could not be independently verified.
The latest clash reportedly followed the movement of ISWAP fighters into the Chingolo area, prompting Boko Haram members operating in the location to launch an attack against them.
The renewed violence highlights the continuing rivalry between the two insurgent groups over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters operating within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding communities.
The clashes could further weaken both factions and disrupt their operations in an area that has historically served as a major base for terrorist activities in Borno State.
Makama said security forces were monitoring the developments and using available intelligence to track the movements and activities of the rival groups.
The renewed infighting also comes as Nigerian security forces continue counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, targeting terrorist hideouts, concentrations and logistics networks.
The military has continued efforts to degrade the operational capabilities of the insurgents and restrict their freedom of movement across areas affected by terrorism.
Security officials have also urged residents living around the Sambisa Forest and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the authorities.
EXCLUSIVE: Dozens of terrorists killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP fighters clash in Sambisa Forest
By Zagazola Makama
More than 23 terrorists have reportedly been killed in renewed deadly clashes between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the… pic.twitter.com/Rjobm4bzIe
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) September 4, 2026
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