Around 200 Killed in Fierce Jihadist Clashes in Nigeria

Around 200 fighters were reportedly killed in clashes between rival jihadist factions in Nigeria’s troubled Lake Chad region, according to intelligence and local security sources.

Fighting erupted on Sunday between Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in Dogon Chiku, as the two groups continue to battle for influence and territory.

An anti-jihadist militia member assisting the Nigerian military said initial information indicated that around 200 Boko Haram members were killed in the fighting.

However, a former Boko Haram member who now monitors militant activities claimed that roughly the same number of ISWAP fighters were also killed, with several weapons seized during the clashes. He reported that Boko Haram lost four fighters in the confrontation.

“This may be the most intense clash between the two groups since they began fighting each other,” said the former militant, who identified himself only as Saddiku.

A Nigerian intelligence official confirmed that the fighting resulted in heavy casualties, estimating more than 150 deaths, though assessments were still ongoing.

Boko Haram and ISWAP split in 2016 due to ideological disagreements and have since engaged in repeated and deadly confrontations, particularly around the Lake Chad basin, where both groups seek to assert dominance.