Boko Haram, also known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunnah Lid-Da’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), celebrated the failure of a rival group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), to attack Nigerian troops in Kukawa, Borno State.
JAS mocked ISWAP’s botched operation, accusing them of lacking strategic competence. On its communication channels, JAS shared images allegedly showing dead ISWAP fighters and destroyed equipment from the battlefield. These photos reportedly highlight ISWAP’s losses during the engagement.
The rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP continues as both factions vie for dominance in the Lake Chad region. JAS pointed to ISWAP’s failure as evidence of poor coordination and ineffective leadership in executing large-scale operations.
ISWAP initially claimed victory in the early Monday attack, boasting about heavy losses inflicted on Nigerian forces and seized assets. However, the Nigerian military confirmed it successfully repelled the assault, killing 12 ISWAP fighters.
Authorities said troops destroyed seven vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), and recovered 40 motorcycles. Seized weapons included five AK-47 rifles, one RPG, two anti-aircraft guns, and 152 rounds of Shilka ammunition.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
