Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters clash as militants attack APC candidate’s convoy

Fresh violence has gripped Nigeria's Borno State as rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP, fighters battled for position in Sambisa Forest. Boko Haram also attacked the convoy of All Progressives Congress governorship candidate Mustapha Gubio.

Security sources said at least 23 terrorists were killed in renewed fighting around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area. Boko Haram fighters reportedly attacked ISWAP members moving into the area, triggering sustained exchanges of fire. Intelligence reports suggested that more than 23 fighters had died on both sides since the clashes began two days earlier, although the exact toll remained unverified.

Videos obtained by security analyst Zagazola Makama showed intense gun battles as the factions sought to consolidate their positions and prevent each other's expansion. Analysts said the confrontation reflected their continuing rivalry over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in and around Sambisa Forest. The infighting has weakened both groups and disrupted their operations in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.

The Borno State Police Command separately confirmed that Boko Haram fighters ambushed Gubio's convoy on Thursday. The attack took place near Kareto at about 2:30 p.m. on the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway, as the convoy returned to Maiduguri from Damasak after a visit to thank party supporters.

Police spokesman ASP Kenneth Daso said a joint force involving the police, army, NSCDC, DSS, Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilante groups quickly repelled the attackers. “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,” Daso said.

Other sources said an armored police vehicle in the convoy was damaged. The military continued monitoring the situation and targeting terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts in counterterrorism operations across northeastern Nigeria. Officials urged communities around Sambisa Forest and northern Borno to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.

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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.