More than 23 terrorists have reportedly been killed after renewed fighting erupted between Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
The deadly confrontation reportedly broke out around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP elements moving into the area.
Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, describing the clashes as part of a fresh escalation in the long-running rivalry between the two terrorist factions.
Boko Haram Attacks Advancing ISWAP Fighters
Makama said the latest fighting began about two days ago after ISWAP elements reportedly moved into the Chingolo area, prompting Boko Haram fighters to launch an attack.
According to the security expert, the confrontation involved sustained exchanges of fire as both factions attempted to defend their positions and prevent the opposing group from expanding its influence.
Preliminary intelligence indicates that more than 23 terrorists have been killed across both sides since the latest hostilities began, Makama said.
The exact number of casualties suffered by Boko Haram and ISWAP separately could not, however, be independently verified.
Why Boko Haram and ISWAP Are Fighting Again
The renewed violence is linked to the longstanding struggle between the rival factions over territory, movement routes, resources and control of fighters operating in and around Sambisa Forest.
Although Boko Haram and ISWAP share a history of insurgent violence in the North-East, the groups have repeatedly fought one another since their split, with territorial and strategic competition sometimes turning into deadly internal battles.
The latest confrontation shows that the security threat in the Sambisa axis is not limited to attacks against government forces or civilian communities. Rival terrorist groups are also competing directly for influence and operational space.
Clashes Could Weaken Both Terrorist Groups
Makama said the latest fighting could further weaken the two factions and disrupt their activities in an area that has historically provided a significant operating environment for insurgents.
Heavy losses could also affect the ability of the groups to maintain operational networks, move fighters and resources, and establish control over strategic locations within the forest.
The development comes as Nigerian security forces continue intelligence-led operations against terrorist and criminal networks operating in different parts of the country.
In May, The Bureau Journal reported the arrest of two suspected terrorists by Nigerian forces during a patrol operation in Kogi State, highlighting the continuing spread of counter-terrorism operations beyond the North-East.
Security Forces Track Terrorist Movements
Makama said security forces were closely monitoring developments in the Sambisa Forest and using available intelligence to track the movements and activities of the rival factions.
He added that the renewed infighting could place additional pressure on both groups as the military continues operations designed to disrupt terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts.
The security response increasingly relies on intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordination among security agencies to identify terrorist movements before they can translate into attacks.
The importance of intelligence-led operations has also featured in recent security developments elsewhere in Nigeria. The Bureau Journal recently reported an arms-cache interception in Kogi after security agencies foiled an alleged retaliatory attack plot.
Sambisa Remains a Major Security Concern
Sambisa Forest has for years remained one of the most closely watched areas in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign because of its size, difficult terrain and history as an operating environment for Boko Haram and other armed groups.
The forest and surrounding communities have repeatedly featured in military operations aimed at locating terrorist camps, disrupting logistics and restricting the movement of insurgents.
Security challenges involving forested areas are not unique to Borno. Across Nigeria, large forest corridors have been exploited by kidnappers and other criminal groups seeking concealment from security forces.
A recent operation in Kogi, for example, saw security forces engage suspected kidnappers in a forest after tracking them to a hideout, eventually rescuing 15 abducted passengers.
In another Kogi operation, security forces rescued 21 abducted victims and reportedly killed four kidnappers after a prolonged search operation in forested terrain.
Communities Urged to Stay Alert
As the situation around Chingolo remains fluid, security officials have urged communities around the Sambisa Forest and neighbouring areas to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the authorities.
Residents in vulnerable communities can play an important role in providing timely information on unusual movements, particularly in areas where terrorists and criminal groups attempt to exploit difficult terrain.
The renewed Boko Haram-ISWAP clashes could create a temporary setback for both factions if their losses continue and their ability to coordinate operations is disrupted.
But the fighting also underscores the continuing danger posed by the presence of armed terrorist groups in the North-East.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor the situation in Borno and report further developments as credible information becomes available.
More than 23 terrorists dead as Boko Haram and ISWAP attack themselves in Sambisa forest pic.twitter.com/E364NiuvRp
— Star Potter (@Starpotternews) September 4, 2026
Get breaking news and latest updates directly on WhatsApp
