In what appeared to be a continuation of their sustained inter-rivalry clash, irate Boko Haram fighters have killed at least 33 wives of Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State.
A counter-insurgency expert, Zagazo Makama, disclosed this in a series of tweets on Tuesday.
The rival groups have been attacking communities in the Northeast region since both camps fell apart over leadership issues.
The groups have also since been having clashes, and Abubakar Shekau, leader of Boko Haram, was reportedly killed during one of such clashes in 2021.
According to Makama, the recent inter-rivalry clash occurred in Sambisa Forest.
He said the action was to avenge the killing of Boko Haram commander, Malam Aboubakar (Munzir) and 15 other fighters who were neutrialised in a deadly infighting.
“In the aftermath of the encounters, Boko Haram members seized four Hilux trucks mounted with weapons belonging to their rivals and burnt another,” he tweeted.
“A source said that shortly after the victory, the Boko Haram fighters mobilised more fighters from Abu Ikilima’s camp at Gaizuwa, Gabchari, Mantari and Mallum Masari to attack more ISWAP positions in Ukuba, Arra and Sabil Huda and Farisu, killing about 23 more fighters.
“Few hours later, a top ISWAP leader, Ba’ana Chingori, called for a declaration of war and led a column of fighters to carry out reprisal attacks on the Boko Haram in Farisu.
“The attack paid off as the ISWAP neutrialized 15 Boko Haram terrorists including a unit Commander, Malam Aboubakar (Munzir) and seized 7 motorcycles from them.
“The ISWAP group later retreated and took position at the camp of Izzah. Thereafter, they moved to Garin Abbah, located about 2 kilometers where they pinned down to wait for the Boko Haram.
“But instead of going to meet the ISWAP rivals to continue the fight, the Boko-Haram elements did a detour and headed to where ISWAP wives are located and killed 33 of them.
“It will be seen in the coming days how ISWAP fighters will react to the brutal killing of their wives by the Boko Haram elements.”
