Fresh violence has erupted in Borno State as rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions clashed in Sambisa Forest, while Boko Haram fighters separately attacked the convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio.
Security sources said at least 23 terrorists were killed in renewed fighting between the rival factions around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area.
The clashes reportedly began after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members who were advancing into the area, leading to sustained exchanges of gunfire.
Videos obtained by security analyst Zagazola Makama showed the two factions engaging in intense fighting as they sought to consolidate their positions and prevent each other from expanding their areas of influence within Sambisa Forest.
Intelligence reports indicated that more than 23 terrorists had been killed on both sides since the clashes began two days ago, although the exact casualty figure could not be independently verified.
The latest confrontation highlights the longstanding rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command confirmed that Boko Haram terrorists ambushed the convoy of APC governorship candidate Mustapha Gubio on Thursday.
The attack occurred around 2:30pm near Kareto community along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway, as the convoy returned to Maiduguri from Damasak following a thank-you visit to party supporters.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, said the attack was repelled by a combined team of security personnel comprising the Police, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilante groups.
“The terrorists laid ambush with planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and fired several Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), but they were repelled with no casualties recorded among security forces or civilians,” Daso said.
However, sources disclosed that a police armoured vehicle attached to the convoy was damaged during the encounter.
The military said it was continuing to monitor developments in the area, with ongoing operations targeting terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East.
Residents around Sambisa Forest and northern Borno have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
