MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — A power shift in West Africa’s murky underworld of terror unfolded this week, as Boko Haram extremists captured 60 fighters, including three top commanders, from the rival group, the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP.
The event took place in the Kukawa-Madayi-Kwatan/Mota region of Borno State, signaling a significant advantage for Boko Haram in the ongoing tussle for territorial dominance.
The startling revelation came via a social media post on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, by Lake Chad’s renowned counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.
Massive Celebration hits Boko Haram camp after capturing 60 ISWAP fighters including 3 Commanders
On Aug 13, 2023, Boko Haram faction intercepted about 60 ISWAP terrorists including three key Commanders, Abubakar Saddiq, Abou Maimuna and Malam Idris on their way to Damasak.… pic.twitter.com/u62VnIHutb
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) August 16, 2023
According to Makama, the captured ISWAP militants, identified as Abubakar Saddiq, Abou Maimuna, and Malam Idris, were ambushed by Boko Haram factions en route to Damasak, a known stronghold.
Boko Haram’s Buduma factions seem to be consolidating power, capturing several ISWAP strongholds in recent days.
“Following these captures, there were jubilant celebrations in Boko Haram camps,” Makama explained.
“ISWAP was forced to retreat, taking shelter in fortified positions in the Kukawa, Madayi, and Kwatan Mota axis.”
By the time of the capture on August 13, 2023, Boko Haram had already gained significant momentum against their rivals.
The apprehended militants are now held as Prisoners of War in an undisclosed underground facility near Dogon Chukwu.
In another surprising twist, over 78 Boko Haram fighters and their families surrendered to the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, Sector 3, as part of Operation Hadin Kai in Monguno Local Council of Borno.
The MNJTF attributed these surrenders to a successful raid that devastated Boko Haram camps in the notorious Sambisa Forest.
However, the power struggle has exacted a dire human toll. “In the past week alone, infighting between these groups has led to the death of over 100 terrorists from both sides,” Makama disclosed during a briefing in Maiduguri.
He sounded a grim note of caution, emphasizing that the groups frequently turn their violence on innocent civilians.
“They don’t discriminate,” he said. “Women, children – anyone in sight is a potential target.”
The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for international intervention and support to restore stability to the region.
