- ISWAP Commander K!lled By Own Explosive Device
- Internal suspicion grows after deaths of senior fighters
- Rivalry with Boko Haram fuels ongoing Lake Chad clashes
Confusion has reportedly gripped a factional camp of the Islamic State West Africa Province following the alleged killing of a senior commander by an improvised explosive device planted by members of his own group.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Security sources said the incident occurred on February 24 in parts of the Lake Chad Basin, sparking internal tension among insurgents operating in Borno State and neighbouring areas.
According to the sources, the crisis began when a fighter identified as a Unit Intelligence Member confronted a senior commander, Amir Musa, demanding clarification over the deaths of two members of the group.
The fighter reportedly sought explanations regarding the killing of Abu Nazir, said to have been eliminated by fellow ISWAP elements, and the death of another senior commander, Abu Kasim.
The questioning reportedly heightened suspicion within the camp, with some fighters alleging operational lapses and possible internal sabotage.
Sources cited by security analyst Zagazola Makama indicated that Abu Kasim died after an improvised explosive device planted by his own faction detonated along a route where he was operating.
The explosion occurred during clashes between ISWAP and rival elements of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, commonly known as Boko Haram.
Further reports suggested that Abu Nazir was killed in a separate encounter with Boko Haram fighters believed to have been involved in the earlier death of Abu Kasim.
The sequence of events reportedly deepened mistrust within ISWAP ranks, with allegations of friendly fire and coordination failures emerging.
Security analysts have consistently pointed to rivalry over territory, ideology and leadership structure as drivers of persistent clashes between the two factions in the Lake Chad Basin.
Sources said the latest development has further weakened cohesion within the insurgent camp, as Nigerian and regional forces sustain pressure on terrorist strongholds.
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