A new wave of bloody clashes erupted across the Lake Chad Basin as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) battled for dominance over the strategic waterways linking Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed that the clashes began on Wednesday, November 5, and continued through Saturday, November 8, around the islands of Sahel 1, Dogon Chuku, Mangari, and the riverine bases of Tumbun Gini, Tumbun Dalo, Tumbun Shanu, and Dumba in Borno State.

Makama said the confrontation was “a full-scale amphibious assault in insurgent style,” as Boko Haram commanders Hassan Buduma and Mohd Hassan led fleets of watercraft armed with heavy machine guns against ISWAP strongholds.

Intelligence reports indicate that several fighters were killed in the offensive, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear. Surveillance drones reportedly detected bodies drifting on the water, and others were hurriedly buried in the sandbanks.

The assault forced ISWAP militants to abandon several camps and retreat toward the mainland hideouts of Ali Jillimari, Metele, Kangarwa, and Gudumbali.

The battle, analysts say, is part of Boko Haram’s renewed bid to reclaim the lucrative smuggling and taxation routes that generate millions of naira from fishermen, traders, and boat operators across the Lake Chad corridor.

Army Steps Up Nationwide Offensive

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has intensified its counter-terror operations across the country, recording fresh successes within the last 48 hours.

A statement released through the Army’s official X handle revealed that troops neutralised seven terrorists, arrested 27 suspects, and recovered weapons, ammunition, and stolen crude oil.

In Borno State, troops under Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai carried out a precision cordon-and-search mission in Monguno, arresting 12 suspects tied to terrorist logistics networks.

Another ambush by 192 Battalion along the Gwoza–Limankara axis killed three insurgents and recovered an AK-47 rifle.

In Kaduna, Operation Enduring Peace troops stormed a terrorist hideout in Kauru, killing two fighters accused of recent civilian attacks. Across Plateau and Niger states, several suspects were apprehended in connection with murders and bandit operations.

In the South-South, the Army said troops uncovered illegal refining sites in Abia, Imo, and Delta states, seizing stolen crude and arresting impostors disguised as soldiers.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed all formations to “completely annihilate terrorists and dismantle all criminal networks.” The Army described the new phase as a decisive turning point in Nigeria’s long war against insurgency and economic sabotage.