Confusion and tension have reportedly gripped a faction of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following the death of a senior commander allegedly killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by his own group in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on February 24 in the Lake Chad Basin axis, a region where insurgent factions remain active.
The explosion is said to have heightened suspicion and mistrust among fighters within the camp.
According to the sources, the commander identified as Amir Musa was confronted by a unit intelligence member (UIM) who demanded clarification over the deaths of two fighters — Abu Nazir and Abu Kasim.
Abu Kasim, described as a senior commander within the faction, reportedly died when an IED planted by his own group detonated along a route where he was operating. The blast occurred amid clashes between ISWAP fighters and rival Boko Haram elements in the area.
The sources further disclosed that Abu Nazir was allegedly killed by fellow ISWAP members following an encounter with Boko Haram insurgents believed to have been responsible for Abu Kasim’s earlier death.
The unfolding sequence of events has reportedly fueled allegations of friendly fire, operational failures, and a breakdown in coordination within the insurgent ranks.
The incident highlights the enduring rivalry between ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), widely known as Boko Haram, despite both groups tracing their origins to the same extremist movement.
Security analysts say the apparent internal fractures could further weaken cohesion within the terror factions, as Nigerian security forces sustain intensified offensives against insurgent strongholds across the North-East.
