Two weeks after a failed reconciliation attempt between Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram, and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both groups have resumed hostilities in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

This is not the first time the Bakura Doro-led faction of Boko Haram and ISWAP have clashed violently in the Lake Chad Basin’s island regions.

According to counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the latest confrontation occurred on February 14 near ISWAP camps in Toumbun Gini and Toumbun Ali.

In a post on X, Makama reported that ISWAP suffered significant casualties during the battle, which took place on water.

He warned that the conflict could escalate and spread to Kukawa LGA, where Boko Haram continues its campaign against ISWAP.

Both factions have been locked in a violent rivalry since ISWAP split from Boko Haram in 2016 and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.