Deadly Clash Between Rival Terror Groups Claims 200 Lives
More than 200 militants have been confirmed dead following intense fighting between rival jihadist factions Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria's troubled northeast region. The violent confrontation occurred on Sunday in Dogon Chiku, a community located on the shores of Lake Chad, where both groups engaged in fierce combat for territorial control.
One of Bloodiest Encounters Since 2016 Split
Security and intelligence sources have described this confrontation as one of the most brutal encounters between the two factions since their ideological split in 2016. According to Babakura Kolo, a member of an anti-jihadist militia supporting Nigerian military operations, the casualty figures reached approximately 200 ISWAP fighters killed in the fighting.
A former Boko Haram fighter who has renounced violence but continues to monitor jihadist activities in the region confirmed the death toll. "Around 200 ISWAP fighters were killed in the clashes, and several of their weapons were seized," stated the ex-militant, who identified himself only as Saddiku while speaking from Maiduguri, Borno State.
While ISWAP suffered massive losses, Boko Haram reportedly lost only four of its fighters during the confrontation. Saddiku emphasized the significance of the clash, noting that "this could be the worst clash between the two groups since they began attacking each other."
Intelligence Sources Confirm Heavy Casualties
A Nigerian intelligence officer operating in the region confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring the aftermath of the battle. "We are aware of the fighting, which is good news to us. Our estimates suggest that more than 150 ISWAP fighters were killed," the source revealed.
The deadly rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP has been ongoing for control of territory and resources around the Lake Chad Basin since their separation due to ideological differences. Security experts note that while the ongoing infighting has weakened both terrorist organizations, the situation continues to pose grave risks to civilians and displaced communities across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
Northwest Farmers Face Harvest Taxes from Bandits
Meanwhile, residents in parts of Zamfara and Sokoto States have raised alarms over worsening insecurity caused by armed bandits, who have implemented illegal taxation systems on farming communities. Villagers reported that attackers are enforcing what they call "harvest taxes," demanding either cash payments or portions of agricultural produce before permitting farmers to access their own fields.
"We are living under a parallel authority," revealed a farmer from Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. "They gave us a timetable on when to go to our farms, how much to pay, and they also take a portion of our grains. Those who refuse are attacked or abducted."
This alarming situation has forced numerous farmers to abandon their farmlands despite what appeared to be a promising harvest season, raising serious concerns about potential food shortages across northern Nigeria. The imposition of these illegal levies by bandits represents another layer of the complex security challenges facing the region.
In related security developments, troops of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly killed 24 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and recovered weapons during offensive operations conducted between July 4-9, 2025, across the Northeast region. These operations were carried out with close air support from the Air Component and in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters.
