A violent clash between rival jihadist factions in north-eastern Nigeria has left nearly 200 fighters dead, marking one of the deadliest internal conflicts within the country’s extremist networks in recent years. The confrontation, which took place around the Lake Chad Basin near Dogon Chiku, pitted militants from Boko Haram against those from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), according to security officials and local sources.
Reports indicate that the battle erupted late last week and continued for several days, with both sides deploying heavy weapons, motorcycles, and pickup trucks in intense combat. Residents in nearby communities described hearing prolonged gunfire and seeing plumes of smoke rising from the area. Many fled their homes, fearing reprisals or spillover attacks, while others were trapped as the fighting cut off escape routes.
Security analysts believe the conflict stemmed from long-standing rivalries between the two extremist groups over control of territory, resources, and influence within the Lake Chad region — a strategic area that provides access to smuggling routes, fishing grounds, and local taxation systems. Though both groups share similar extremist ideologies, they have repeatedly turned their weapons on each other in brutal power struggles since ISWAP broke away from Boko Haram in 2016.
Local intelligence sources said the clashes were triggered when Boko Haram fighters attempted to reclaim areas previously lost to ISWAP. The ensuing battle reportedly saw ISWAP deploy hundreds of fighters, overwhelming Boko Haram units in what has been described as a “massive show of force.” Over 200 combatants were confirmed dead, with scores injured or captured. The casualty figures, however, remain difficult to verify due to the remote nature of the battleground and limited access for journalists or humanitarian workers.
The Nigerian military has not officially commented on the incident, but sources within the armed forces say surveillance operations have confirmed “large-scale movement of terrorists and heavy casualties.” Troops have reportedly been placed on high alert to prevent the conflict from spilling into nearby civilian zones.
This latest clash underscores the persistent instability in the north-eastern region, despite repeated military offensives and government claims of progress in the fight against terrorism. For over a decade, Boko Haram and ISWAP have waged a campaign of violence that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. The Lake Chad Basin, which borders Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, remains a hotspot for cross-border insurgent activity, complicating regional security efforts.
Residents of affected communities continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Local leaders have called for increased protection and humanitarian aid, warning that continued violence could lead to new waves of displacement. “Our people live in constant fear,” said a community elder from Kukawa, a nearby town. “Even when the military clears an area, these groups return to fight each other, and we are caught in the middle.”
Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about the growing impact of the conflict on food security and access to basic services. Many farmlands and markets remain inaccessible due to insecurity, worsening hunger in a region already facing one of the highest rates of displacement in Africa.
As the situation evolves, experts warn that the rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP could further fragment Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. While internal fighting between extremist factions may temporarily weaken them, it also risks prolonging instability as splinter groups emerge and local governance structures collapse.
For now, the communities around Lake Chad remain tense and fearful, uncertain of what the next wave of violence might bring. The battle between Boko Haram and ISWAP may have ended, but for many residents of north-eastern Nigeria, peace is still a distant hope.
