The Lake Chad Basin is once again experiencing heightened violence as rival jihadist factions—Boko Haram’s Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)—engage in fierce battles for control of strategic island settlements in northern Borno State.
According to an exclusive report by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the latest clashes took place between November 5 and 8, 2025, across key islands in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas. The affected locations include Sahel 1, Dogon Chuku, Mangari, as well as the riverine axes of Tumbun Gini, Tumbun Dalo, Tumbun Shanu, and Dumba.
The islands, situated deep within the marshlands of Lake Chad, have long served as strongholds and operational bases for both groups. Their strategic positioning provides access to smuggling routes, shelter, and mobility across the international borders with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
Makama noted that the renewed fighting was triggered by ISWAP’s attempt to assert dominance over territories still occupied by Boko Haram loyalists, forcing the latter to mount counter-attacks in a bid to retain influence. Although casualty figures remain unclear, the clashes are believed to have resulted in heavy losses on both sides.
The prolonged rivalry between JAS and ISWAP has contributed to shifting patterns of violence in the region, complicating counter-insurgency operations and worsening humanitarian conditions for thousands of civilians living within or displaced from Lake Chad’s island communities.
Security sources warn that the renewed hostilities could disrupt recent gains recorded by military forces in the region and may lead to fresh displacements if unchecked.
Efforts to restore stability in the Lake Chad Basin have continued through multinational military operations, but the vast and difficult terrain remains a major challenge in preventing insurgent regrouping and movement.
