The long-running rivalry between the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, JAS, popularly known as Boko Haram, has continued to reshape the insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, with repeated clashes over territory, leadership and resources.
The background was highlighted in a report by security analyst Zagazola Makama while explaining the latest confrontation between both factions in Borno State.
According to the report, the conflict dates back to 2016 when ISWAP broke away from the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram movement following disagreements over ideology and leadership.
Since the split, both groups have engaged in repeated battles over territorial control, taxation routes, recruitment of fighters and strategic hideouts across the Lake Chad Basin and the Sambisa Forest.
Makama reported that the rivalry intensified in May 2021 when ISWAP launched a major offensive into the Sambisa Forest, cornering Shekau during a confrontation.
According to the report, Shekau reportedly
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