ISWAP, Boko Haram clash intensifies in violent battle for control of Lake Chad region

The deadly rivalry between the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram has escalated into a new wave of violence, as both extremist groups continue their brutal struggle for dominance in the Lake Chad region.

Recent video footage obtained by counter-insurgency expert Zagozola Makama shows ISWAP fighters launching a fierce offensive against Boko Haram insurgents on one of the Lake Chad islands. The assault reportedly allowed ISWAP to reclaim several territories that were previously under Boko Haram’s control.

Makama explained that Boko Haram had earlier gained the upper hand, dislodging ISWAP from several of its bases and inflicting considerable losses. But the tide appears to have turned, as ISWAP has reemerged stronger, mounting coordinated and technologically advanced attacks.

Intelligence sources have linked ISWAP’s renewed strength to the involvement of foreign mercenaries operating in the Lake Chad basin — a development that has significantly altered the power balance between the two rival groups.

The sources further revealed that these mercenaries provided ISWAP with armed drones, which were used to target Boko Haram positions.

“In a significant development, ISWAP fighters recently extended their operations to the Mandara Mountains and many parts of Sambisa Forest, an area historically dominated by Boko Haram marking the first time they have carried the fight deep into the Mandara strategic terrain.

“The renewed clashes will continue to escalate in the coming weeks with no end in sight,” Makama stated on Friday.