Lake Chad, Nigeria – Fierce fighting near Lake Chad in northeastern Nigeria has reportedly left over 200 militants dead in recent days. The clashes involved armed groups vying for control of the strategic region.
According to local sources, the intense battles raged for hours in the rugged terrain surrounding the lake. Babakura Kolo, a member of a local militia allied with the Nigerian army, stated that approximately 200 fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were killed during the confrontations.
Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact number of casualties. A former Boko Haram fighter, identified only as Sadiq, claimed that ISWAP suffered over 300 fatalities, while his own group sustained minimal losses. However, an intelligence source suggested a more conservative estimate, indicating that at least 150 fighters from both sides were killed in the fighting.
The fighting reportedly centered around strategically important areas that both groups are attempting to control. Boko Haram and ISWAP have been engaged in a violent power struggle in northeastern Nigeria since 2016, following a split within Boko Haram due to internal disputes over leadership and ideology.
The Lake Chad region has become a focal point for both groups due to its challenging terrain, which provides a safe haven for their fighters. The ongoing conflict continues to destabilize the region and poses a significant security challenge.
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
