Intense clashes between rival jihadist factions, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have left at least 200 people dead in the volatile Lake Chad region, multiple intelligence and militia sources confirmed on Monday.
The deadly confrontation erupted on Sunday in Dogon Chiku, a settlement along the shores of Lake Chad, as both groups engaged in a brutal battle for territorial dominance amid deepening ideological rifts.
“From the toll we got, around 200 ISWAP terrorists were killed in the fight,” said Babakura Kolo, a member of an anti-jihadist militia assisting the Nigerian military.
Another source, a former Boko Haram member who has since renounced violence but still monitors extremist activities, corroborated the death toll, adding that several ISWAP weapons were seized during the clash.
“Around 200 ISWAP fighters were killed in the clashes, while Boko Haram lost four of its men,” he said, identifying himself simply as Saddiku.
Saddiku, who resides in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, described the incident as one of the bloodiest encounters between the two terror groups since their rivalry began.
“This could be the worst clash between the two groups since they began attacking each other,” he noted.
A Nigerian intelligence officer stationed in the region confirmed ongoing monitoring of the aftermath, estimating that “more than 150 fighters” were killed.
“We are aware of the fighting, which is good news to us,” the source added, referring to the military’s long-standing efforts to weaken both terror factions through attrition.
Boko Haram and ISWAP have been embroiled in a violent struggle for control of the Lake Chad basin since their split in 2016, following sharp ideological disagreements. The lake area, which borders Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, has remained a hotspot for militant activities and inter-factional clashes.
