Deadly ISWAP–Boko Haram Infighting Leaves Over 10 Fighters Killed Near Nigeria–Niger Border

Fresh clashes erupt in Borno as rival jihadist factions battle for control along Lake Chad Basin

More than 10 fighters have been killed following a fierce gun battle between rival extremist groups operating in Nigeria’s troubled North-East, security sources say.

The clash, which occurred on Tuesday, involved fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Bukura faction loyal to Boko Haram commander Abu Umaima. The fighting took place around Dogon Chiku Buhari, a remote border community in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, less than one kilometre from the Nigeria–Niger border.

According to counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the incident via a post on X, the violence broke out after Bukura fighters crossed from the Niger Republic side of the Lake Chad Basin to launch an attack on ISWAP positions within Nigerian territory.

Security sources familiar with the development said the confrontation stretched for several hours, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

“The fighting took place around Dogon Chiku Buhari, east of Tubum Mota and along the Bosso–Diffa axis in Niger Republic. It lasted several hours and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides,” one source said.

Tubum Mota lies east of Malam Fatori, roughly 19 kilometres away, and has long been identified as a volatile zone where extremist factions frequently clash over territory, resources, and influence.

The latest violence highlights the deepening rivalry between ISWAP and Boko Haram splinter groups, a conflict that has intensified in recent months as armed factions jostle for dominance across border communities surrounding the Lake Chad Basin.

Despite years of military operations by regional forces, the area remains a hotspot for insurgent activity, worsened by difficult terrain, porous borders, and limited state presence.