MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly seized a major Boko Haram stronghold in Gazwa, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, following a fierce battle allegedly triggered by the theft of about ₦40 million from ISWAP logisticians.
According to intelligence sources cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the conflict began after a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) commander allegedly ambushed ISWAP logisticians transporting cash and supplies, killing one operative and making away with approximately ₦40 million and an AK-pattern rifle.
The stolen funds were reportedly distributed among JAS commanders, prompting ISWAP to mobilise fighters from several locations before launching a coordinated assault on the Gazwa enclave about 10 days later.
Despite initial resistance, JAS fighters were reportedly overwhelmed after hours of fighting, forcing them to abandon one of their key bases in the Bama axis. ISWAP is said to have since taken control of the camp while remaining alert for possible retaliatory attacks.
Security sources believe the latest confrontation reflects the growing rivalry between the two terrorist factions as they compete for territory, resources and influence across Nigeria's North-East.
The clash follows another reported ISWAP ambush in the Bula Murge area, where several senior JAS commanders were said to have been killed and multiple camps destroyed.
Military sources say the renewed infighting presents an opportunity for security forces to intensify coordinated land and air operations aimed at further weakening both groups and preventing them from regrouping.
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