A fresh and deadly confrontation has broken out between rival Boko Haram factions in Borno State, with fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province ambushing members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad faction around Bula Murge in Bama Local Government Area, leaving several senior insurgent commanders feared dead.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the clash occurred in the Gargash general area near Bula Murge, roughly 11 kilometres north of Miyanti and 26 kilometres northeast of Bama.

According to the report, ISWAP fighters launched a surprise attack on the rival faction, inflicting heavy casualties in a fierce engagement.

Among those reportedly killed were prominent JAS commanders identified as Abu Ubaida, Modu Kori, Alhaji Modu, Mure, Zarkawi, Sheriff and Modu Maye, all of whom were said to have held key operational roles within the faction.

The assault also saw Bula Murge and Nguro Bafuye, two settlements previously occupied by JAS, set ablaze, destroying shelters and logistics facilities the group relied on.

Security sources cited in the report say the latest confrontation has significantly weakened the JAS faction and opened a window for troops to intensify ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the area. Military authorities have reportedly directed troops stationed around Miyanti, Bama, Kumshe and neighbouring communities to sustain offensive operations aimed at preventing either faction from regrouping or reestablishing bases, as the long-running rivalry between ISWAP and JAS continues to reshape the insurgency landscape in Nigeria’s North East.

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