Confusion and tension have reportedly engulfed a faction of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following the death of a senior commander allegedly killed by an improvised explosive device planted by members of his own group in Borno State.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred on February 24 in the Lake Chad Basin axis, an area known for persistent insurgent activity and clashes between rival extremist factions.
According to the sources, the commander, identified as Amir Musa, was reportedly confronted by a Unit Intelligence Member (UIM) over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two fighters, Abu Nazir and Abu Kasim.
Abu Kasim, described as a senior figure within the faction, allegedly died after an IED planted by his own group detonated along a route where he was operating. The explosion reportedly occurred during clashes between ISWAP fighters and rival elements of Boko Haram in the area.
Sources further claimed that Abu Nazir was later killed by fellow ISWAP members following an encounter with Boko Haram insurgents believed to have been linked to Abu Kasim’s earlier death.
The sequence of events is said to have triggered suspicion and mistrust within the camp, with allegations of friendly fire, operational lapses, and poor coordination circulating among fighters.
The development underscores the longstanding rivalry between ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), widely known as Boko Haram, despite both groups emerging from the same extremist roots.
Security analysts note that the apparent internal fractures could further weaken cohesion within insurgent ranks, as Nigerian security forces continue sustained offensives against militant strongholds across the North-East.
