By Desire Emmanuel
The terror group, Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP), has killed no fewer than 15 fighters of another terror group, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), during a deadly rivalry battle in Borno State.
The battle was said to have taken place at Dabar Ledda, within the Doron Naira axis of Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, last Saturday.
Sources familiar with the incident told Impact Nigeria News Online on Monday, January 12, that the ISWAP fighters launched what was described as a surprise assault on a JAS checkpoint, locally referred to as Irasa, in the Dabar Ledda area, overwhelming the terrorists during an intense battle that was said to have lasted about an hour.
Though the JAS fighters initially put up a fierce resistance, the attack ended decisively in ISWAP’s favour, with 15 JAS fighters killed.
Following the operation, ISWAP elements were said to have withdrawn swiftly to their major stronghold located between Kangarwa and Dogon Chuku, also within Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.
However, the latest clash is expected to trigger a violent response as indication emerged that JAS leadership, acting on directives issued by its top commander, Abu Umaima, has ordered mobilisation of fighters across the northern and central parts of the Lake Chad region of Borno State in preparation for retaliation.
Both groups have, in recent times, engaged in rivalry battles with the aim of degrading each other’s capabilities in an attempt to consolidate control over key corridors around Lake Chad as well as Sambisa Forest.
The Kangarwa-Dogon Chuku corridor has mostly been an area that has witnessed repeated factional battles due to its strategic value for logistics, recruitment and access routes.
