Several senior commanders of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram, are feared dead after fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a coordinated assault on the rival faction around Bula Murge in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama that the fierce confrontation occurred in the Gargash area near Bula Murge, about 11 kilometres north of Miyanti and 26 kilometres northeast of Bama.
According to the sources, ISWAP fighters caught the JAS faction off guard, inflicting heavy casualties during the operation.
Among those reportedly killed were JAS commanders identified as Abu Ubaida, Modu Kori, Alhaji Modu, Mure, Zarkawi, Sheriff and Modu Maye, all of whom were said to have played strategic operational roles within the faction.
The attack reportedly threw the surviving JAS fighters into disarray, with intercepted communications indicating that the group had begun plans to relocate its women and family members to Bula Daloye after its camps were destroyed.
Intelligence reports further indicated that ISWAP fighters set fire to Bula Murge and Nguro Bafuye, two settlements previously occupied by the JAS faction, destroying key shelters and logistical bases.
Following the clash, security operatives deployed around Miyanti, Bama, Kumshe and neighbouring communities have reportedly been directed to sustain military pressure on both insurgent factions to further weaken their operational capacity and prevent either group from regrouping or establishing new strongholds.
The latest confrontation is one of several violent clashes between ISWAP and JAS, whose prolonged rivalry has continued to alter the dynamics of insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.
Meanwhile, fresh bandit attacks in Sokoto State have reportedly claimed no fewer than 39 lives, while 37 persons were abducted as 19 communities in Shagari Local Government Area were displaced.
The renewed violence has sparked concerns among residents of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, who accused the Federal Government and political leaders in the North of failing to provide adequate security for communities repeatedly targeted by armed groups.
Reacting to the attacks, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South Senatorial District, condemned the worsening insecurity across parts of the state.
In a statement issued by his media office, the former Sokoto State governor expressed deep sorrow over the recent attacks in Kebbe, Shagari and Sabon Birni local government areas, noting that the incidents resulted in deaths, kidnappings, cattle rustling and the displacement of several residents.
Tambuwal particularly mourned Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hussaini Balarabe, who was reportedly killed during a gun battle with bandits in Kebbe Local Government Area.
Describing the officer’s death as “deeply painful and unacceptable,” the senator said the fallen officer’s sacrifice underscored the daily risks security personnel face in protecting lives and property.
He urged the Federal Government, Sokoto State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure vulnerable communities and bring an end to the persistent attacks.
Tambuwal also warned that the continued violence threatens not only lives and property but also agricultural activities, commerce and the socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities.
A resident of Sabon Birni, Usman Nagogo, told journalists by telephone that the latest attack lasted from about 9:00 p.m. on Monday until 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday. He alleged that several residents attempting to flee the violence drowned while escaping.
Another resident, Muhammad Abubakar, a canoe operator, said an overloaded boat carrying more than 25 people, mostly women and children, capsized during the escape. He said only seven passengers were rescued.
Abubakar further alleged that although security agencies were alerted while the attack was ongoing, reinforcements arrived late, leaving the community deserted.
Confirming the incidents, Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Ayuba Hashimu, said he could not independently verify the reported casualty figures from both the attack and the boat accident, explaining that the affected community remains difficult to access.
