Two trucks filled with militants associated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly encountered a mine outside the village of Arina Masallaci in the Marte district. According to anti-jihadist militia members assisting the Nigerian military in combating the jihadists, the lead truck hit the mine, causing both vehicles to explode.
Babakura Kolo stated, “The trucks were loaded with the insurgents when the one in the lead hit the mine and exploded along with the second truck trailing closely behind.” The incident occurred around 08pm GMT, as the militants were en route to launch an attack. Kolo reported that approximately 50 insurgents from both vehicles were killed, with others sustaining injuries.
Ibrahim Liman, another militiaman, provided a similar account, mentioning that ISWAP suffered significant casualties, estimating around 50 fighters lost in the accident.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had separated from mainstream Boko Haram in 2016 and is active in the Lake Chad area, engaged in internal conflicts with Boko Haram for supremacy.
Liman suggested that the militants might have planted the landmine earlier to target troops patrolling the area. However, the explosion turned the tables, making the insurgents victims of their own plot.
ISWAP and Boko Haram are known for using landmines on roads and highways to target both military and civilian convoys as part of their insurgency, which has lasted 14 years, aiming to establish a Caliphate in the region.
This prolonged conflict has resulted in the death of 40,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in the northeast. For an extended period, Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP terrorists have been engaged in persistent conflict with each other within the borders of Borno State.
This enduring struggle reflects a protracted and complex situation, showcasing the ongoing tensions and clashes between these two extremist groups. The confrontations have become deeply rooted in the region, contributing to a sustained atmosphere of instability and insecurity.
