N40m theft sparks deadly ISWAP-JAS battle in Borno

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly taken control of a major Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave in Gazwa, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, following a fierce battle between the two rival insurgent groups.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest confrontation was triggered by the alleged theft of about N40 million from ISWAP logisticians operating along the Gazwa-Kwaltafarji axis.

The development reportedly came to light during the debriefing of recently surrendered JAS members, who provided information on the escalating conflict between the two factions.

According to the sources, a JAS commander identified as Munzir allegedly ambushed ISWAP logisticians transporting cash and supplies. One ISWAP logistic operative was reportedly killed, while the attackers seized an AK-pattern rifle and escaped with approximately N40 million.

The stolen money was allegedly handed over to a senior JAS commander in Gazwa identified as Baafu, who reportedly transferred the funds to another senior insurgent leader, Ali Ngulde, believed to be operating from the Mandara Mountains.

The money was subsequently distributed among JAS commanders and fighters according to the group’s established revenue-sharing arrangement, the sources said.

Military intelligence reportedly indicated that ISWAP viewed the incident as more than a robbery, considering it a direct challenge to its authority and logistics network.

About 10 days after the ambush, ISWAP allegedly mobilised a large force from Yuwe, Sambisa Forest and Zangeri and launched a coordinated dawn attack on JAS positions in the Gazwa enclave.

The fighting reportedly lasted several hours, with JAS fighters initially putting up resistance before additional ISWAP reinforcements arrived from Sambisa Forest and overwhelmed the defenders.

The JAS fighters were subsequently forced to abandon the enclave, allowing ISWAP to establish control of the Gazwa camp, according to the intelligence sources.

However, the sources said ISWAP remains cautious and could withdraw if the displaced JAS faction mounts a major retaliatory offensive.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that commanders had been advised to exploit the rivalry between the two factions through sustained offensive operations, particularly around the Gazwa-Kwaltafarji corridor and surrounding areas.

Additional intelligence gathering is reportedly underway to monitor the movements of both groups and prevent either faction from regrouping or establishing new operational bases.

The latest clash adds to a growing pattern of violent confrontations between ISWAP and JAS as both factions compete for territory, resources and influence in the North-East.

Only days earlier, intelligence monitored by Zagazola Makama reportedly indicated that ISWAP fighters ambushed another JAS faction around Bula Murge in the Gargash area of Bama Local Government Area.

Several senior JAS commanders, including Abu Ubaida, Modu Kori, Alhaji Modu, Mure, Zarkawi, Sheriff and Modu Maye, were reportedly killed in the attack.

The clash also reportedly led to the destruction of JAS camps at Bula Murge and Nguro Bafuye, forcing surviving fighters to relocate their families towards Bula Daloye.

The renewed infighting comes amid sustained military operations and airstrikes against insurgent groups in the North-East, which have reportedly weakened their logistics, operational capabilities and freedom of movement.

Security sources said the rivalry presents an opportunity for the military to intensify coordinated land and air operations aimed at preventing either faction from regrouping or consolidating new positions in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains.