Boko Haram, ISWAP Clash In Borno, Ambush APC Guber Candidate’s Convoy

Fresh violence has erupted in Borno State as rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters clashed in Sambisa Forest, while terrorists also ambushed the convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio.

Security sources said at least 23 terrorists were killed in the renewed fighting between the rival factions around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area.

The sources said Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members who were advancing into the area, triggering prolonged exchanges of gunfire as both groups battled to consolidate their positions and prevent the expansion of the opposing faction.

Videos obtained by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, showed the fighters engaging in intense gun battles in the forest.

Intelligence reports suggested that more than 23 terrorists had been killed on both sides since the clashes began two days ago. However, the exact casualty figure could not be independently verified.

The latest confrontation is linked to the longstanding rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

The infighting has reportedly disrupted the operations of both factions in the region, which has remained one of the major strongholds of insurgents in the North-East.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command confirmed that Boko Haram terrorists ambushed the convoy of Gubio on Thursday.

The attack occurred around Kareto community at about 2:30 p.m. along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway, as the convoy was returning to Maiduguri from Damasak after a thank-you visit to APC supporters.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, said the attack was repelled by a combined team of security personnel comprising the Police, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilante groups.

According to Daso, the terrorists planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and fired several Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) at the convoy.

“The terrorists laid ambush with planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and fired several Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), but they were repelled with no casualties recorded among security forces or civilians,” he said.

However, security sources disclosed that a police armoured vehicle attached to the convoy was damaged during the encounter.

The military continues to monitor developments in the area as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, targeting terrorist hideouts, logistics networks and concentrations.

Security authorities have urged residents around Sambisa Forest and northern Borno to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the relevant agencies.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep