ISWAP commander killed by own IED

Confusion has reportedly erupted within a factional camp of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following the death of a senior commander allegedly killed by an improvised explosive device planted by his own group.

Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 24 and sparked internal discord among insurgents operating across parts of the Lake Chad Basin.

According to the sources, a fighter serving as a unit intelligence member (UIM) confronted a senior commander, Amir Musa, demanding clarification over the deaths of two group members.

The UIM reportedly questioned the circumstances surrounding the killing of Abu Nazir, believed to have been eliminated by fellow ISWAP elements, and the death of senior commander Abu Kasim.

Abu Kasim was said to have died when an IED planted by his faction detonated along a route where he was operating.

The explosion reportedly occurred during clashes between ISWAP fighters and rival elements of Boko Haram.

Further reports indicated that Abu Nazir was killed following an encounter with Boko Haram fighters suspected to have earlier targeted Abu Kasim, deepening mistrust and tension within the camp.

Sources noted that the development points to possible friendly fire, operational lapses and a breakdown in coordination among insurgent factions.

The incident also highlights ongoing hostilities between ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), despite both groups originating from the same insurgent movement.

Analysts say the internal rifts continue to weaken the factions’ operational cohesion, even as security forces maintain sustained pressure on terrorist strongholds across the region.