By Muhammadu Sabiu
In what would be tagged as “tremendous success” in the fight against insurgency in the northeastern part of Nigeria, members of the two terrorist groups operating in the region, Boko Haram and ISWAP, have engaged in a deadly battle, which left many dead.
The incident occurred in northern Abadam, Borno State, last weekend (Sunday, August 22, 2021), when some members of Boko Haram, who attempted to surrender, came under a heavy attack by irate members of the ISWAP in the Dumbawa community.
Angered by the decision of Boko Haram members to surrender to Nigerian troops, the leadership of the ISWAP “placed a death sentence on any fleeing member in the Lake Chad axis,” an intelligence source in the know of incident disclosed.
PRNigeria quoted the source as saying, “The deadly attack was coordinated by one Abba-Kaka, a self-acclaimed ISWAP Governor of Tumbumma, Commanding Marte, Abadam, Kukawa and Magumeri, leading to a heavy gun battle that lasted for hours which resulted in the killing of over 25 terrorists including three Commanders while many other militants, who ran in different directions with their families were left with bullets wounds.”
According to PRNigeria, the rift between the two groups has deteriorated following the execution of Boko Haram members by ISWAP members and the refusal of the latter to include the former in the appointment of some key positions.
Another source was also quoted as stating, “Some high ranking Commanders bearing the titles of ‘Amir’ and ‘Khaid’ (Chiefs) at under the Shekau’s Caliphate in Sambisa were reduced to ordinary militants fighters after paying allegiance to the ISWAP leadership.
“Some JAS Commanders and their loyalists were already contemplating pitching their tents against the ISWAP by joining forces with the Bakura and Krimima Led-JAS Factions that have been battling the ISWAP around the axes of Lelewa, Duwa, Wallal and Hauwa Bulumwa villages in the Niger Republic.”
Recall that in the past weeks, scores of members of Boko Haram have laid down their arms and surrendered to Nigerian troops.