Over 50 terrorists killed in ISWAP-JAS rivalry clash
Rivalry between the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) has escalated, culminating in a clash that reportedly resulted in the death of over 50 JAS fighters.
Therefore, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) called for continued and intensified efforts in the fight against terrorism and banditry across the country.
The group called on governments, security agencies, and community leaders to prioritise long-term strategies to restore peace and stability. Yesterday, the National Coordinator of CNG, Jamilu Charanchi, issued a statement emphasising the importance of long-term strategies by governments, security agencies, and community leaders to restore peace and stability in affected regions.
The coalition also lauded the heroic efforts of Nigerian security forces in their recent successes in the ongoing fight against bandits and terrorists, which brought significant relief to many communities across the North.
Charanchi highlighted Operation Fansan Yamma’s (OPFY) successes, applauding the armed forces for their unwavering commitment to restoring security. He praised recent victories, such as the killing of fighters loyal to bandit leader, Bello Turji, including his second-in-command and key commanders in the North West.He acknowledged the elimination of Boko Haram commander, Abu Iklima, in Bama, Borno State.
The CNG called for the sustenance of the momentum through an all-fronts onslaught to ensure the eradication of banditry and terrorism in all parts of the country.
Charanchi said: “We urge the military and other security agencies to sustain and intensify the offensive as they demonstrated their unmatched and patriotic strength by taking the fight directly to the strongholds of these criminals and ensuring that they are completely dismantled and unable to regroup.”
He called for enhanced collaboration between the federal and state governments and improved coordination among security agencies, stressing that better synergy and intelligence-sharing would optimise resource improvement to strengthen the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts.
The group also appealed to Nigerians to provide timely and actionable intelligence to support the military’s efforts, reminding citizens that “the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility.”
INTELLIGENCE sources told Zagazola Makama, a security expert in the Lake Chad Basin that the conflict erupted near Kachalla Kellori Village in the Mobbar Local Council of Borno on January 20. ISWAP forces reportedly executed a decisive offensive, compelling JAS fighters to retreat in chaos towards Gashigar.
During the pursuit, fleeing JAS members were captured, while others found refuge in abandoned villages in the vicinity. In retaliation, JAS fighters initiated an attack on ISWAP forces at Maleri Zoriaya Village, located approximately two kilometres south-east of Kachalla Kellori, on the night of January 21.
He said: “This counter-attack magnified the escalating hostilities between the two factions, driven by territorial disputes and struggles for control over strategic smuggling routes from Geidam, Diffa (Niger) to the Lake Chad Region Basin Area (LCRBA).
“At least 200 vehicles carrying goods such as fish, grains and textiles leave Nigeria daily through illegal routes in Gaidam, Yobe State. These traders pay hefty sums to multiple actors, including customs officials, Boko Haram groups, and Nigerien border agents.”
Both ISWAP and JAS have been vying for supremacy near the River Komadougou Yobe, a traditional stronghold of JAS, with ISWAP making aggressive moves to establish new territories.
On January 20, bloody confrontations reportedly took place at Lamburam and Kachalla Kellori villages. Reports indicate that JAS fighters, likely crossing from the river and LCRBA, endured heavy casualties during these clashes.
Source » guardian.ng
