Several Boko Haram Commanders Feared Killed In Deadly ISWAP Ambush

Several senior commanders of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram faction, are feared to have been killed after suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters launched an ambush in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack reportedly occurred around Bula Murge in the Gargash axis, where security sources said ISWAP fighters carried out a coordinated surprise assault on the rival group.

As of the time of reporting, Nigerian military authorities had not independently confirmed the reported casualties.

According to security sources, those believed to have been killed include senior JAS commanders identified as Abu Ubaida, Modu Kori, Alhaji Modu, Mure, Zarkawi, Sheriff and Modu Maye, all of whom were said to hold key operational roles within the faction.

The sources added that the attack left surviving JAS fighters scattered, with intercepted communications indicating that plans were underway to relocate women and other family members from the affected camps to Bula Daloye.

The assault also reportedly led to the destruction of JAS camps at Bula Murge and Nguro Bafuye, which served as shelters and logistics bases for the group.

Security assessments suggested the attack dealt a significant blow to the JAS faction’s operational capacity in the area.

Military personnel operating around Miyanti, Bama, Kumshe and surrounding communities have reportedly been advised to exploit the infighting by intensifying operations against both terrorist factions to prevent them from regrouping or establishing new strongholds.

The latest clash is part of the long-running rivalry between ISWAP and JAS over territorial control, recruitment, taxation routes, food supplies and strategic hideouts in the North-East.

ISWAP emerged in 2016 after splitting from the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram faction following ideological and leadership disagreements.

The rivalry escalated in 2021 after ISWAP fighters launched a major offensive into the Sambisa Forest, where Shekau reportedly died after detonating an explosive device during the confrontation rather than surrendering.

Although many of Shekau’s followers later joined ISWAP, some commanders remained loyal to the JAS faction and have continued operating from isolated locations within the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains.