The Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) has mobilized hundreds of fighters for a reprisal attack aimed at the Boko Haram faction in the Lake Chad region, according to intelligence reports.
The mobilization, which began on August 12, 2024, is led by ISWAP commanders Alhaji Khud’da and Mallam Akilu, who are preparing to launch a counteroffensive against Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), also known as Boko Haram [Western learning forbidden], positions.
Zagazola Makama reports that ISWAP fighters have been moving under the cover of night to avoid detection by JAS spies, using armed water vessels to navigate the complex network of waterways in the southern Lake Chad River Basin Area.
ISWAP’s mobilization comes in response to recent successful attacks by JAS, and the group is seeking to reclaim lost territory and reassert control over key areas in the region. The planned reprisals are expected to target JAS positions, with a significant escalation of violence anticipated in the coming days.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
