A violent internal conflict has reportedly broken out among rival commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State’s Timbuktu Triangle, leaving several fighters feared dead and exposing growing divisions within the insurgent group.

Security sources said the fighting erupted after disagreements between senior ISWAP leaders escalated into an armed confrontation. The clash reportedly involved fighters loyal to opposing commanders and resulted in heavy casualties, although the exact number of those killed has not been officially confirmed.

According to intelligence sources, the confrontation is believed to have been triggered by disputes over leadership, operational control and the distribution of resources within the terrorist group. The infighting has reportedly weakened ISWAP’s cohesion in parts of the Lake Chad region, where the group has faced sustained military pressure in recent months.

A security source said:

“Several fighters were killed during the clash between rival ISWAP commanders in the Timbuktu Triangle.”

The source added:

“The internal fighting reflects growing tension within the group as rival factions struggle for influence and control.”

Military operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to place pressure on insurgent groups across the North-East, leading to the elimination of several commanders, arrests of logistics suppliers and the surrender of some high-ranking ISWAP members in recent weeks. Analysts believe the sustained offensive has contributed to increasing instability within the group’s leadership.

Security agencies are continuing to monitor the situation closely as efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore stability across the region intensify.