Boko Haram slaughters 170 ISWAP fighters in brutal Lake Chad clash

In one of the bloodiest clashes yet between rival terrorist factions around the Lake Chad region, fighters loyal to Boko Haram commander Bakoura Doro have reportedly overrun Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) positions, killing more than 170 militants in a series of brutal encounters.

Security and intelligence sources familiar with developments in the area confirmed that the latest confrontation marks a major setback for ISWAP, which has been struggling to maintain dominance over key islands and supply routes in the volatile Lake Chad Basin.

Security and counter-terrorism expert in the Lake Region, Zagazola Makama, posted series of videos on X show the terrorists groups engaging in serious shootout on water.

According to Makama, Boko Haram launched a surprise ambush, decimating ISWAP fighters in a fierce gun battle that left their boats and weapons seized.

Only three of ISWAP’s vessels reportedly managed to escape, while seven others were captured alongside a cache of arms and ammunition.

Sources described the offensive as a “humbling defeat” for ISWAP, whose fighters have now retreated in disarray. Boko Haram reportedly lost four men in the encounter.

Intelligence sources, however, warn that ISWAP may launch a retaliatory attack, as the group has a history of counter-assaults following major losses.

The renewed hostilities between the two terrorist groups underscore the fragility of security in the region, even as military forces continue joint operations to contain both factions and protect civilian populations.