In Lake Chad, a security analyst and specialist in counter-insurgency, Zagazola Makama, has reported receiving an exclusive letter penned by the ISWAP group, addressed to the Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau.

The letter is said to challenge them to a confrontation.

Zagazola Makama alleges that ISWAP has accused the Boko Haram faction of deceiving the public, propagating falsehoods, distorting facts, engaging in corruption, and committing acts of rape in the guise of religious devotion.

This statement was shared via a post on his social media platform on Friday. In this post, he also asserts that the Boko Haram faction has already accepted the proposed showdown.

The conflict purportedly occurred in Gaizuwa and resulted in casualties on both sides. Earlier in the week, the security expert had made a separate claim, suggesting that Boko Haram fighters had apprehended 60 terrorists associated with the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). Among those captured were reportedly three significant commanders of the ISWAP faction.

According to Zagazola, these ISWAP militants were taken into custody while en route to Damasak in Borno State. The identified commanders are Abubakar Saddiq, Abou Maimuna, and Malam Idris. 

However, Zagazola said “both groups are warming up for the next battle although the time and venue remain unannounced.”

He wrote, “EXCLUSIVE: ISWAP Invited Boko Haram to a gunfight in Sambisa forest

“Zagazola has received an exclusive later written by ISWAP group to the Boko Haram faction of Abubakar SHEKAU, challenging them to a FIGHT

“In the letter addressed to Boko Haram, the ISWAP said: ‘We warned you about what you are doing; from killing, destroying people’s properties, and abusing the courses of our Jihad.

“They also accused the Boko Haram group of misleading the people, spreading falsehood, withholding the truths, corruption and raping of women in the name of worshipping God.

“Beware, beware, get ready, we will follow you for leading our people astray. And the attack will be on this date:

“57/Rabi Al-Awwal/9448 AH corresponding to 94/August/5252 AD.

“The Boko Haram faction already accepted the Challenge. The battle took place in Gaizuwa with many killed on both sides.

“Both groups are warming up for the next battle. Time and Venue unannounced.”