Scores of fighters have reportedly been killed following renewed clashes between rival insurgent groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, in parts of Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains in Borno State.
Security sources said the violence, which lasted for about a week, began on January 3, 2026, when ISWAP fighters launched coordinated attacks on Boko Haram camps around the Ali Ngulde axis of the Mandara Mountains.
According to sources, the ISWAP offensive was led by two commanders identified as Jundullah and Ibn Hataf, but Boko Haram fighters mounted fierce resistance under the coordination of a field commander known as Abu-Rijal, also referred to as Ba-Sulhu. Dozens of ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed during the initial encounters, while others were captured. Several weapons, including rifles, a machine gun, and other arms and ammunition, were also recovered by Nigerian security forces.
However, the balance of the fighting shifted days later. On January 6, ISWAP fighters reportedly carried out a retaliatory attack on a Boko Haram position in the Sabil Huda axis, leading to hours of intense combat. Security sources claimed that at least 12 Boko Haram fighters were killed during the clashes, while additional weapons were seized by ISWAP forces.
The clashes reportedly triggered the displacement of Boko Haram-affiliated families, including women and children, who fled affected camps to areas around the Yale General axis. Limited night operations were conducted to track fleeing fighters, although no further confirmed clashes had been reported as of midweek.
In a related development, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a Programme Management Review meeting with senior United States government officials and representatives of Bell Textron from January 5 to January 6, 2026, in San Diego, California.
During the engagement, Aneke expressed appreciation to the American government and Bell Textron for their continued cooperation, professionalism, and transparency in the execution of Nigeria’s helicopter acquisition programme. He said the structured review reflected the Nigerian Air Force’s deliberate emphasis on programme discipline, accountability, and measurable results.
Aneke noted that the acquisition represents more than just a platform upgrade, it also underscores the enduring defence and security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. The new assets are expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to conduct counter-insurgency operations, provide rapid response to security threats, and improve surveillance in high-risk areas like Borno State.
The clashes and the arms acquisition highlight the ongoing challenges posed by insurgent groups in northeastern Nigeria and the importance of both local and international partnerships in combating terrorism and protecting civilians.
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