Fighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP factions resumes in Nigeria’s Sambisa Forest in Borno State, with multiple outlets reporting that more than 23 militants are killed. The reports cite a post by counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama and accompany video footage showing sustained exchanges of fire during the renewed confrontation.
Makama says the latest clashes occur around the Chingolo axis in Bama Local Government Area. He describes Boko Haram fighters attacking ISWAP elements after they reportedly move into the area, as both factions seek to consolidate positions and prevent the other from expanding influence in the forest. He also links the fighting to an ongoing rivalry over territory, access routes, resources, and control of fighters.
While both sources characterize the incident as part of a renewed wave of hostilities that began about two days earlier, they do not provide independently verifiable casualty breakdowns by group. The accounts note that security forces are monitoring developments and conducting counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, while urging communities near the forest to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.
