Share this page!

Enter URL or ID to Unroll

You can paste full URL like: https://x.com/threadreaderapp/status/1644127596119195649
or just the ID like: 1644127596119195649

How to get URL link on X (Twitter) App

  1. On the Twitter thread, click on or icon on the bottom
  2. Click again on or Share Via icon
  3. Click on Copy Link to Tweet
  4. Paste it above and click "Unroll Thread"!
  5. More info at Twitter Help
Tomasz Rolbiecki Profile picture
@TomaszRolbiecki
Jan 3, 2020 • 650 tweets • >60 min read • Read on X
(THREAD) For the new year, I'm starting a new thread about terrorism in Lake Chad basin, mainly ISWAP (though not ISGS), but also JAS and Nigerian Army's response to the threat.

To see the 2019 thread, check here:
On New Year's Day, the NAF said it targeted JAS camp in Abulam (on fringes of Sambisa Forest), neutralizing some of its members.

dailytrust.com.ng/air-force-neut…
A JAS terrorist killed, another captured, 14 people freed in an operation in Tafana (Bama LGA)
A BH informant/supplier detained in Shuwari (Damboa LGA)
15 ISWAP vehicles destroyed, 75 presumed ISWAP members detained, 147 civilians rescued in Guzamala, Monguno and Kukawa LGA's.
More about those: vanguardngr.com/2020/01/troops…

Last night, Michika (Adamawa State) was attacked by JAS terrorists, the attack was repelled.
dailytrust.com.ng/michika-reside…

At least 15 attackers were killed.
premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
"Suspected Boko Haram militants have killed at least 50 people on an island on Lake Chad, bordering Cameroon and Chad, a local official told the BBC."

I haven't noticed, but that attack was actually reported by local outlets, like @SembeTv.

bbc.com/news/world-afr…
Speaking of @SembeTv, they published a very good video about a Kolofata vigilante group - Covis. If you haven't watched, please do.

"The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Friday said its Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole has destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs) logistics facility at Gujeri in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State [on Tuesday]."

Read more: dailytrust.com.ng/air-force-heli…
"Two students of the same parents were killed when Boko Haram insurgents attacked Payasatan Bilaburdar village Gatamarwa ward in Chibok local government area of Borno state."

Location of the village: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#10…

thexpressng.com/2020/01/04/sib…
"Chad has ended a months-long mission fighting Boko Haram in neighbouring Nigeria and withdrawn its 1,200-strong force across their common border."

punchng.com/breaking-chad-…
NAF has reportedly neutralized several JAS members in Bula Bello (in Sambisa Forest) after carrying airstrikes in that area on Wednesday.

prnigeria.com/2020/01/04/naf…
Apparently, during the failed attack in Michika, JAS has kidnapped the local chairman of Christian Association in Nigeria. His fate is unknown.

saharareporters.com/2020/01/04/bok…
ISWAP claims to have killed and wounded several Nigerian soldiers and captured two vehicles in Ajiri/Ajeri. Image
Islamic State's Amaq Agency released a new video from Nigeria, showing the execution of two Christians in Borno. At least one of them looks similar to one of those kidnapped around Christmas near Chibok, I'm still trying to either confirm or deny it. Image
The chairman of Christian Association in Nigeria appears in a JAS/Boko Haram video, pleads for his release.

Four JAS members neutralized, a technical, two motorbike, an AA gun captured in Kopa (Madagali LGA, Adamawa State).

Yesterday, six ISWAP members were killed while trying to attack Jakana (west of Maiduguri). One soldier died, two were wounded in those clashes.
A day earlier, Nigerian soldiers cleared several villages north of the Maiduguri-Damaturu road, freeing 461 people (including more than 200 children.
Four children were freed on Thursday in Mobbar LGA

More: vanguardngr.com/2020/01/nigeri…
ISWAP claims an attack on Nigerian Police in Auno yesterday, says five policemen were killed. Image
The Nigerian Army confirms the ambush, says two policemen were wounded.
vanguardngr.com/2020/01/army-c…

“I think they may have been dead from the attack,” a commercial driver who gave his name as Bukar Modu, said of the victims.

premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
There could be more than one attack near Auno yesterday because now ISWAP is claiming an ambush on Nigerian Army between Auno and Jakana, saying eight soldiers were killed. It's hard for me to say what is the truth and what is an official press release. Image
And ISWAP has finally claimed the attack in Jakana. They say 30 soldiers were killed and wounded there. Image
Both @VincentFoucher and I got source reports of 15 killed and wounded in Jakana. This is how we should probably treat those numbers - divide them by two to understand the real situation, then divide them by five to receive what we have in the official press releases.
@VincentFoucher ISWAP fighters are currently attacking Monguno.

“The terrorist stormed the town around 7pm; they came with many gun trucks and the battle is ongoing,” one of the sources said.

thecable.ng/breaking-boko-…
And ISWAP claims the attack in Monguno, says that eight soldiers were killed, three vehicles were damaged and one captured. Image
The Nigerian Army said that the attack was repelled.

"Though there were fewer casualties on the Nigerian troops through Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, many Boko Haram Terrorists were however eliminated during the encounter,” the source said.

prnigeria.com/2020/01/08/tro…
I absolutely didn't notice that ISWAP in today's statement did actually claim an SVBIED attack (suicide car bomb). My apologies.
"Nigerian Air Force, NAF, says it has destroyed a Boko Haram hideout at Kusuma, a Borno town at the fringes of Lake Chad."

yenlive.com/news/index.php…

Video from the airstrikes:
The attack on the policemen near Auno (exactly in Kundori), claimed by ISWAP two days ago, is also confirmed. Three members of Special Anti Robbery Squad died in the clashes there. Terrorists claimed the death of five policemen.

legit.ng/1291133-npf-mo…
The situation in Mainok-Auno-Jakana area remains difficult, as yesterday seven people were kidnapped there.

premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…

Among the kidnapped, there are four soldiers and two policemen.

thecable.ng/boko-haram-abd…
Punch reports that three people were also executed.

punchng.com/738191-just-in…
The number of soldiers killed in Monguno is higher than claimed by ISWAP after the attack (25 vs 8 claimed). 1000 people fled because of the assault.

cbc.ca/news/world/nig…
The Nigerian Air Force, as part of the Operation Rattle Snake 2, conducted airstrikes on ISWAP positions in Kollaram (about 35 kilometers north of Marte). They were carried out on the 4th and 5th of January. NAF said several ISWAP members were killed.

channelstv.com/2020/01/10/naf…
ISWAP has just claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, says it captured two soldiers and policemen, a Christian and a government worker on Jakana-Auno road yesterday. Image
I forgot to mention it yesterday, but in the latest issue of the Islamic State's newspaper - al-Naba - ISWAP took responsibility for the attack in Mandaragirau (between Biu and Chibok), where they said they killed five Christians and burned down a church. Image
The attack took place on 30/12.
More: premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
Today ISWAP claimed to have attacked Nigerian soldiers in "Gum" (not sure about transliteration, didn't hear any reports) two days ago, killing and wounding several of them. Image
Confirmation: The attacked town was Ngowum, check my tweet from February, when ISWAP claimed the attack in that village and notice the same Arabic name used:
"121 Battalion deployed at Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area, captured and destroyed the terrorists’ hideout at Zeledva Hills along Pulka – Bokko – Ngoshe Road on Wednesday."

Five civilians rescued.

vanguardngr.com/2020/01/troops…
Two more claims, both about yesterday, both about Gajiram - in the first they say they killed 5 CJTF members and captured 2 cars, in the second - several soldiers were killed and wounded. ImageImage
I'm also getting information about two attacks right now - one in Gajiram (again...), another in Kirchinga and Shuwa (both Madagali LGA of Adamawa State). Details currently unknown.
"A statement from Colonel Timothy Antigha Chief of Military Public Information in JTF said, one of the top commanders killed, Khalifa Umar, was a High-ValueTarget considering that he was also the Chief Judge of ISWAP."

dailypost.ng/2020/01/13/tro…
Daily Post says Ngulde (Askira-Uba LGA of Borno State) is under attack.

The affiliation of the attackers is currently unknown, the area used to be in the JAS zone of influence, but recently ISWAP has also been active both west and east of the village.

dailypost.ng/2020/01/14/bok…
Some good news.

Five aid workers abducted by Boko Haram insurgents last December have been released, security sources have told PREMIUM TIMES.

premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
ISWAP claims to have killed three Nigerian soldiers on the road between Jakana and Auno in an attack on a checkpoint. Image
If there isn't enough trouble in Nigeria.
Ansaru claims to be back and attacking. I don't know anything about details, I don't know which attack they are referring to (maybe the one on Emir of Potiskum, not sure).

Details on the suspected claimed attack: punchng.com/police-confirm… Image
Another execution of a Christian in Borno by ISWAP, this time by a person suspected to be about 10 (maybe a bit older). Whatever brought the change in the group's stance towards Christians (influence from the IS central command?), it's not good.

Just to put the video in the correct time and place: The video is said to be recorded four days ago, between Auno and Jakana. That's another example of ISWAP attacking people on the road from Maiduguri to Damaturu.
Something must be done to make the road safer again.
I'll say it straight - someone brainwashed that poor kid, deprived it of its innocence and made it believe it was justified to kill other people in the name of a sick ideology.
If anyone ever asks me what is the worst part of the Islamic State, I'll show them this.
As suspected, ISWAP claims the yesterday's attack in Gamboru Ngala, saying that several soldiers were killed and wounded. The attack was reported to be repelled so I'm not surprised they didn't give exact numbers. Image
Another example of ISWAP's new stance towards Christians - they say they set up a fake checkpoint on the Damboa-Biu road, kidnapped two Christians and killed and wounded several soldiers and seized a vehicle. Image
A third claim of the day, again from Damboa-Biu road as ISWAP claims to have killed two soldiers there two days ago. Image
"Many soldiers were also said to have been abducted by the insurgents in the confrontations [...].

The insurgents were said to have attacked Firgi, 20 kilometres north of Pulka along the road from Gwoza to Bama on Friday night.

thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020…
“Villagers in Auno, Jakana and Benisheik are fleeing in their hundreds to Maiduguri. The insurgents attack at least twice daily in these villages,” he [a resident] said."

thecable.ng/residents-sold…
""A suicide bomber blew herself up yesterday in Kaiga Kindjiria, killing nine people, two women and seven men," an army source said.

[...]

"It is Boko Haram, There is no doubt," the spokesman said."

france24.com/en/20200120-su…
"My people just called me this morning that these evil people called Boko Haram came at exactly 4:30am and ransacked the whole village.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-boko-…
Controversial opinion: Maybe just close the Maiduguri Airport to the VIPs and make them travel through the road from Damaturu? This sounds like the only option to make the road safe again, cause for some people VIP > an ordinary person.

Late yesterday evening ISWAP claimed to have attacked Geidam a day before, saying they have killed and wounded several soldiers, without mentioning a specific number. Image
A report does mention an attack that happened on Sunday, it doesn't mention any casualties though.

metrowatchonline.com/residents-flee…
"Terror group, Jama'atu Ansril Muslimina Naijeriya better known as Ansaru, is planning a series of renewed attacks in North-Central Nigeria, SaharaReporters can confirm."

sahararecporters.com/2020/01/21/ale…
The Nigerian Army and CJTF have seized a JAS camp in Rijiya (Bama LGA), killing several terrorists.

Location: satellites.pro/Rija_map.Borno… ImageImage
While I was away, the Nigerian Police invaded the Ansaru training camp in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State and killed 250 members of the group. Today, the group (via pro-al-Qaeda Al Hijrah Media) said they repelled the attack, killed and wounded at least 34 soldiers. Image
The only official count among the police is 1 dead and 13 wounded, 2 of those wounded were policemen hurt after the helicopter was shot down.

More on that: prnigeria.com/2020/02/06/kud…
A huge mistake from me, the helicopter made it safely to the base and wasn't shot down. The pilots should be awarded for their courage and I hope they will leave the hospital soon.
Three days ago, the NAF said that two days earlier they carried out airstrikes against ISWAP positions in northern Borno.

prnigeria.com/2020/02/07/naf…
On Saturday "suspected ISWAP members" attacked two villages in Niger State (western Nigeria).
Are we branding any bandits as Ansaru/ISWAP now, or is there credible intel behind this?

saharareporters.com/2020/02/08/isw…

dailytrust.com.ng/3-killed-50-in…
NAF says it neutralized several Boko Haram (JAS) leaders two days ago as a result of airstrikes conducted in Alafa Yagayaga, on the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

prnigeria.com/2020/02/10/naf… (for those thirsty for geolocation, there's a video, you can have a little fun).
30 people killed, many kidnapped in an attack in Auno.

No claim from ISWAP yet.

"The terrorists are currently occupying farms and villages along the Biu highway in preparation for further attacks, the AFP said. "

saharareporters.com/2020/02/10/bok…
Some better news:
"The Borno State Government has reopened the Maiduguri-Dikwa Road five years after it was closed due to killings by Boko Haram terrorists in the region."

Please work better than Damaturu road, please work better...

saharareporters.com/2020/02/10/bor…
Today BBC Africa Eye published a video about incidents of torture by the Nigerian security forces. Some of the clips were recorded in Borno State, where people accused of being BH members were allegedly tortured.



Do I really have to say something so obvious? Nobody should ever be tortured, no matter if they are a terrorist or a kid who's accused to have stolen $80. People who commit those atrocities shouldn't be sentenced to just 3 months in prison. The law exists for a reason.
Here's a video showing the aftermath of the attack in Auno:

ISWAP claims to have killed and wounded several Nigerian soldiers in Rann yesterday. The attack was reported yesterday evening by @SembeTv.
Still nothing about the Auno attack from ISWAP. Image
Also today, ISWAP claimed to have killed and wounded several Nigerian soldiers and captured a 4x4 vehicle in Tungushe. According to the statement, the attack also took place yesterday. Image
A third claim for today - this time ISWAP says its fighters burned 20 buildings in Kukawa yesterday. Image
Info from the Army:
1. Several terrorists neutralized along the Damboa-Bale road on the 9th. A technical, a suicide vest, 10 motorbikes, weapons and ammunition captured.
2. On the 5th/6th of February, the troops repelled the attack in Ngowum (claimed later by ISWAP)
3. The attack in Tungushe (reported by ISWAP) repelled, one of six technicals used in the assault captured, along with more weapons and ammo. One soldier died.
4. Two ISWAP fighters neutralized in the attack in Rann (also claimed by the group yesterday).
5. 16 women and children rescued from JAS in Kote (Bama LGA). Also, the troops destroyed all the structures in the village (and being proud of it).
6. Several villages cleared in Konduga LGA, west of Maiduguri.

More: yenlive.com/news/index.php…
The other source says three CJTF members were killed in Rann. This doesn't match the info I received, which said one CJTF was wounded.
Also, while retreating from Tungushe, ISWAP fighters also attacked Gajiganna, killing a soldier.

emergencydigest.com/2020/02/12/isw…
"Hundreds of civilians fled their homes on Wednesday as troops battled Boko Haram insurgents who launched attack on Jiddari-Polo area"

Here's a photo I found online, reportedly showing people running for safety in the area of the attack.

dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-resid… Image
It's not a coincidence that the attack comes hours after President Buhari visited Maiduguri. The location suggests that JAS is behind the assault, but let's wait and see.
A video from an hour ago, from Jiddari Polo, showing that the situation is back under control. Good to hear that.

Twitter doesn't let me upload it here, so I uploaded in on Streamable: streamable.com/04lfq
ISWAP claimed an attack today - says its fighters killed and wounded several Nigerian soldiers in Gajibo. I have no information about that right now. Image
For the last 3 days, I've been dumbfounded by this quote by Buratai. It's literally Schrödinger's cat (or, should I say, Schrödinger's Boko Haram) - both defeated and present in Lagos.

pulse.ng/news/local/bok…
This one, by contrast, made me mad - as part of the operations against ISWAP, the Nigerian Army razed several villages. It's not anything new (they admitted doing so recently - see: )

amnesty.org/en/latest/news…
With the data from Sentinel-2 we can see that the imagery corroborates with what the villagers say. This is probably what "combing vigorously" looks like.
And since Mr @WritesRights and Amnesty Internation are branded are terrorists' supporters because of this, let me join the party. Call me a terrorists' supporter too, at least I'll have something to add to my CV.
Yesterday Babban Gida and Damaturu were attacked again. The attack was repelled, although there's no information about casualties.

premiumtimesng.com/regional/nnort…
And by the way, this is the route the terrorists reportedly took (badly drawn by myself). Quite a distance. Image
There was another attack east of Maiduguri. Reportedly a checkpoint near Ngwom was attacked, this assault was also repelled. Recently ISWAP claimed responsibility for an attack in that area, let's see if it happens again.
The NAF conducted airstrikes on ISWAP positions in Kirta Wulgo. Last operation there took place in December, see more about that here:

Video:
Late yesterday evening ISWAP claimed responsibility for the attack in Babban Gida, says it's fighters burned the local military base and four telephone towers. Image
Another airstrike by NAF, this time in Tumbun Zarami. A building, suspected to be a local camp commander's house, was destroyed in the attack.



The same area was targeted by the NAF in April.

Korongilum (Chibok LGA) is/was attacked by Boko Haram. Several houses were burned, according to reports.

The residents say the attackers came from the northwest, so they have to be from ISWAP.

thecable.ng/breaking-many-…

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#10…
As I predicted, the yesterday's attack was committed by ISWAP. The group says they kidnapped two Christians and a CJTF member and seized a vehicle. Later they clashed with the Nigerian Army, killed two soldiers, wounded several and captured another vehicle. Image
ISWAP also released photos showing the aftermath of the attack in Korongilum. ImageImageImage
The reports pretty much confirm what the terrorists are claimed - several kidnapped or missing, three (only two were claimed in the statement) vehicles captured.

sunnewsonline.com/bharam-scores-…
"[T]he insurgents came through Gwoza Kalla road to attack the 25 Armour Brigade located in Damboa town at exactly 5:30 am on Wednesday, raining bullets on the base."

Many "feared dead", the attackers came from the east. Likely JAS.

dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-many-…
In the last couple of days there have been clashes between ISWAP and the Nigerian Army in Baga. Today the terrorists claimed they have killed and wounded several soldiers and destroyed two vehicles yesterday, also claiming to have repelled the military attack. Image
Boko Haram (very likely ISWAP) fighters are said to have attacked Dapchi today. Several houses have reportedly been burned.

thecable.ng/breaking-boko-…
This morning ISWAP issued a statement regarding the attack in Damboa. 23 soldiers are claimed killed, with several wounded and vehicles captured. Image
A second claim of the day - several soldiers claimed killed in Gum/Ngowum. No further details known. Image
The group has also just claimed responsibility for the attack in Dapchi, said seven soldiers were killed, two 4x4 vehicles captured yesterday. Image
The Nigerian Air Force has released a video showing its activity near Damboa yesterday.
Link: (via PRNigeria) ImageImage
The official figures for the attack in Dapchi: Six policemen killed, several houses burned. Two more bodies were also found - neither the police nor the army nor the CJTF identified them as their members.

premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
The Nigerian Air Force released a video showing airstrikes against JAS (BH-Shekau) positions in Alafa (Bama LGA, in Sambisa Forest). Airstrikes took place yesterday.

Location: satellites.pro/Alafa_map.Born…

Link to the video: ImageImage
Three ISWAP claims for today:
1. In Goniri (claimed in Borno, probably meant Yobe) a military base targeted with 12 mortar shells 2 days ago.
2. A soldier killed, two captured in Baga, as clashes continued yesterday. ImageImageImage
3. Several Nigerien soldiers killed and wounded, four armored vehicles destroyed, 10 SUVs captured in the attack in Chetimari. A first claimed attack in a while in Niger.
And now a moment for a bit of comedy.

"The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has assured that in a matter of days Boko Haram will be crushed."

Yep, he said it, again.

Read more: dailytrust.com.ng/boko-haram-wil…
Two photo reports from ISWAP in the last two days:
1. Yesterday, photos from the attack in Damboa
2. Today, another execution of Christians (six this time), recently captured in Borno. ImageImage
Yesterday, NAF released a video showing airstrikes on ISWAP terrorists in Alinwa. Group's several leaders and fighters are said to have been killed.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

Video: ImageImage
Two attacks claimed yesterday by ISWAP - both in Baga, both targeting military 4x4 vehicles with IEDs, both claiming their damage and killing and wounding of the Nigerian soldiers. ImageImage
4 Boko Haram members neutralized in Yamteke (Gwoza LGA), 2 in Sabon Gari (Madagali LGA, Adamawa State), 48 in Toumour (Niger).
More good news than bad ones recently.

dailypost.ng/2020/03/23/bok…
Never say "good news", FFS.

"[T]he troops ran into a second ambush as they moved into Goniri area in Yobe and this time were overpowered by the insurgents who “wiped out the entire artillery troop”. "

About 70 soldiers reportedly killed.

thecable.ng/boko-haram-kil…
No claims from ISWAP yet. This is how the area of the ambush looks like, Allagarno is a major stronghold of the group. Image
.@HumAngle_ now reports that at least 100 soldiers were killed in the ambush. It's still hard to imagine what had happened there.

humangle.ng/heavy-losses-o…
The NAF conducted some airstrikes in the area, shown in this video. I do hope that in the clip between 0:06 and 0:13 doesn't show killed soldiers because, in my opinion, that'd be humiliating for the Army.
As expected, ISWAP claims responsibility for the attack in Goniri. The numbers claimed by the group: 100 soldiers killed, many wounded, 3 vehicles destroyed, 6 SUVs, an MRL, weapons and ammunition captured. Image
A second claim for today - an attack on the Nigerian Army in Khaddamari two days ago. I haven't seen any reports on this, but ISWAP claimed to have killed and wounded several soldiers and captured an SUV. Image
The NAF conducted airstrikes against ISWAP elements in Muktu (Ngala LGA) yesterday.

That's far from what I'd call core ISWAP territory, 25 km SW of Rann.

Video:

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12… ImageImage
In the newest al-Naba, there's a photo showing a multiple rocket launcher destroyed in the attack in Goniri. In total, ISWAP has claimed 127 people killed and wounded in the whole "Wilayah West Africa" last week, most of them being from the Goniri attack. Image
Possibly related to the Goniri attack - ISWAP claims to have captured and executed four Nigerian soldiers in the Alagarno Forest two days ago. They also say they captured two armored vehicles and one SUV. Image
Yesterday ISWAP published a photo report showing group's Da'wah activities in the Lake Chad region. ImageImageImageImage
An ambush near Mainok claimed by ISWAP, who says several soldiers were killed and wounded, also several vehicles were captured.
Another statement - the attack in Kanamma (Yobe), several soldiers claimed killed and wounded. Local reports confirm the attack, but no details. ImageImage
"The Defence Headquarters, on Saturday, disclosed that several Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) have been neutralised in air strikes executed by the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) at Valangide in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State."

dailypost.ng/2020/03/28/bok…
The most important news in the last 2 days:
1. Possibly related to the ISWAP claim, 5 people killed in Auno. I say "possibly" because it seems unordinary for the group to use machetes.

punchng.com/five-dead-14-i…
2. The President of Chad has launched an offensive against Boko Haram, called "Anger of Borno", as a response to the attack in Bouma. My take - broad cooperation is seriously needed. This must be more than a PR statement.

3. One of ISWAP commanders, Abu Usamah, was killed during the clash near Goniri. Also, more details are known about the attack on Kanamma. Several terrorists were reportedly neutralized, while some weapons have been retrieved.

von.gov.ng/nigerian-milit…
4. The Nigerian Army has removed General Adeniyi who just described the real situation on the ground - the soldiers are fighting gallantly, but BH is a very difficult opponent. Admit the truth - get fired. Makes sense, if you wear rose-colored glasses.

saharareporters.com/2020/03/31/bre…
The NAF has conducted airstrikes on JAS logistics base in Ngoske (on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest). Some fighters are said to have been neutralized.
No video this time.

prnigeria.com/2020/03/31/nig…
This is why I wanted the Chadian offensive to be with cooperation with other MNJTF nations. Now ISWAP fighters are simply moving towards Alagarno Forest. Deby will call it "a success", troops will leave, the terrorists will be back there. Easy to see.

humangle.ng/as-chad-puts-b…
The Nigerian Air Force launched airstrikes against an ISWAP camp in Tumbun Fulani, near Lake Chad.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#13…

Video: ImageImage
President of Chad, Idriss Deby, visited Kaiga Kindjiria this morning. "No Boko Haram on the islands of the Lake Chad", he reported (on the Chad side, I understand). Let's see how long will that remain.

The Islamic State's Amaq Agency has released a 5-minute-long video report from Nigeria. The main part is the ambush in Goniri/Gorgi, but other attacks (and recycled footage) are also featured. ISWAP showed a multiple rocket launcher (needs identification) and 4 captured soldiers. ImageImageImageImage
A claim very hard to prove - ISWAP says 70 MNJTF soldiers were killed in the past days in the area of Lake Chad. The group also mentions five coalition attacks repelled by them, with several vehicles destroyed and damaged. Image
The report from Amaq provides slightly more details. It says that clashes near a village called "Madai" ("ماداي", I guess they mean a place on shown on maps as "Tumbun Madayi") have continued since March 31. Image
Two more ISWAP claims (both from Mallam Fatori) - one about yesterday, one about today, the former about an attack on the military base, the latter about repelling an MNJTF attack south of the town. ImageImage
"Earlier last week, Sector 2 (Chad) also conducted an amphibious operation and secured the Litri / Madayi axis."

Now I understand where did the ISWAP claim come from, although MNJTF says there were no casualties. 19 terrorists neutralized.

More: prnigeria.com/2020/04/06/mnj…
ISWAP claims an ambush on Damboa-Biu road from yesterday, says a soldier was killed, several were injured and an APC was damaged.
Probably unrelated, but a Nigerian soldier lost his life in the attack in the area three days ago.
akahinews.org/nigerian-soldi… ImageImage
The group has also claimed responsibility for the shelling of the military base in Goniri. So far only Amaq reported this, I haven't seen an official Islamic State statement yet, perhaps it will provide more details.
"Boko Haram terrorists have attacked a village in Adamawa State, destroying residential buildings and looting shops.

The terrorists attacked Kirchinga under Madagali Local Government Area of the state on Monday night, razing no fewer than five houses."

saharareporters.com/2020/04/07/bre…
MNJTF troops "had a fierce encounter with some Boko Haram/ISWAP elements at Kure village along Tumbun Rago and Tumbun Fulani general areas of Borno State on the 6th of April 2020". "Heavy casualties" among the terrorists.

More: prnigeria.com/2020/04/07/nig…
"Boko Haram terrorists are currently attacking Ngala in Borno State, SaharaReporters can confirm."
"The insurgents launched the attack after they emerged from Rann near the border with Cameroon in Northern Borno State."

saharareporters.com/2020/04/07/bre…
About the shelling of Goniri, ISWAP posted a statement saying they used 10 120mm mortar shells there. Image
Yesterday there was an attack by ISWAP in Gamboru:
ISWAP says: several soldiers killed and wounded
NA says: 2 terrorists neutralized, 3 technicals recovered.

ISWAP's statement is below, more from the army here: channelstv.com/2020/04/08/tro… Image
The Nigerian Army has posted the photos from the attack in Gamboru, the one showing two killed terrorists won't be shown here, for very obvious reasons.

facebook.com/story.php?stor… ImageImage
The Chadian Army says 1000 Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the latest offensive against the group. 52 soldiers have also lost their lives.

The militaries love to show the dead terrorists, how many of them have we actually seen?

rfi.fr/fr/ticker/52-m…
In other news, Abubakar Shekau has not been killed. Again.

humangle.ng/factcheck-did-…
ISWAP reports another attack around Madayi, this time the group says several MNJTF soldiers were killed and wounded in an attack two days ago. Image
The military offensive around Lake Chad is featured in the newest issue of al-Naba. ISWAP's military emir, quoted in the article, says MNJTF attacked from two axes: one central (around Madayi) and one western (near Abadam and Mallam Fatori). Image
According to the military emir, the attack near Madayi was launched by the Chadian troops but because of the terrain, the mobility of the advancing soldiers was heavily impeded.
The emir makes even a claim that one of the planes bombed the soldiers by mistake, causing many casualties. He also says the locals were threatened to be quiet or face punishment. There's no way to confirm this, obviously.
The emir also says the MNJTF aircraft and drones constantly monitor the area (good news for once; also bad news for the terrorists, but seriously, who gives a f about them). He mentions that it is the tactic of the military because on the ground they don't stand a chance.
He notes that the ISWAP is claimed "defeated" all the time but those who do it, come back for another offensive in the same area.
I feel bad about it but I have to agree. It makes absolutely no sense in the long term and it's even worse to correct those claims all the time.
I haven't thought about it until @BokoWatch pointed it out but if Chadians say that 52 soldiers died in the Lake Chad offensive and ISWAP says Chadians were attacking around Madayi and 70 soldiers were claimed killed there, the claim itself starts to make sense.
TFW terrorists are giving more credible reports than an actual army, part 12423...
"At least seven persons were on Sunday killed after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked two vehicles traveling along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, sources said."

I could add a sarcastic comment about Auno but at this point, it's just sad.

premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
"At least 17 people were said to have been killed when a fighter jet belonging to the Nigerian Air Force fired a bomb on Sakotoku village in Damboa local government area of Borno state."

The article says BH fighters were said to be gathering in the area.

thecable.ng/children-kille…
"Insurgents killed five Nigerian security personnel in a gunfight outside Maiduguri, the main city in the restive northeast of the country, security sources said Wednesday."

More: dailytrust.com.ng/insurgents-kil…
The attack is likely related to the one claimed today by ISWAP, as Buta (the location reported by Daily Trust) is near Khaddamari, where the terrorist group says it happened. It also says six Nigerian soldiers were killed in the assault. Image
Locations:

Buta: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…
Khaddamari:
satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…
ISWAP also claimed today another attack in Madayi, saying several Chadian soldiers were killed and wounded yesterday. Image
"Days after the chief of army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, relocated to Borno state, Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly launched an attack on the Nigerian Army's Special Super Camp at Ngamdu, a border community between Borno and Yobe state."
legit.ng/1321519-insecu…
In another tragedy, 14 people died after a fire broke out in Ngala IDP camp.

Approx. 66000 people live in the camp, according to MSF.

saharareporters.com/2020/04/16/fou… Image
"The Nigerian Military has killed 4 suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Toto, Nasarawa state of Northcentral Nigeria."

"We got the last Intel and burst their cell. They are really members of Boko Haram"

More: vanguardngr.com/2020/04/milita…
"The Armed Forces of Nigeria, through the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has neutralized several Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and destroyed a logistics facility within the heart of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State."

ISWAP claimed two attacks today - the previously mentioned mortar attack in Ngamdu (17 shells) and an ambush (6 IEDs) on a Nigerian Army convoy in Buni Yadi, which destroyed 3 army vehicles. I have no info regarding the latter incident. ImageImage
The Nigerian Army says it neutralized 105 ISWAP fighters in Buni Gari yesterday.
I don't want to be skeptical but this number is really disproportionate to the number of recovered weapons.

(Warning: Graphic photos)
defencetimes.ng/nigerian-troop…
Nice timing. ISWAP has just posted a statement about the Buni Gari attack, says several soldiers were killed. Two APCs were also destroyed, according to the group.
I once or twice said that if ISWAP doesn't post exact numbers, they had to withdraw. It's probably true here. Image
ISWAP is also trying to disprove the Chadian President's statement about them being dislodged from the country.
The terrorists claim to have killed four Chadian soldiers, captured a fifth after attacking two army boats between Ngouboua and Litri. Image
"Several key Boko Haram Terrorists/ISWAP leaders have been killed in multiple air strikes conducted by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole at Durbada in Borno, the Defence Headquarters has said."

vanguardngr.com/2020/04/key-bo…
As the rainy season is coming closer, the offensives against the terrorists in Borno will likely be forced to a halt again. An important report from @HumAngle_ .

humangle.ng/how-rainy-seas…
ISWAP fighters have attacked Geidam today. There aren't too many details, I've seen some reports about the attack being repelled, but cannot confirm them yet.

dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-boko-…
Update: The attack was indeed repelled. Daily Trust reports via its sources that the attackers "stormed the town through the southern part of Gumsa village". It would mean that the direction of the assault looked like this: Image
The video from the airstrikes in Durbada is now online. It's a good time and place for a small Geolocation Challenge because this one was too difficult for me.

And ISWAP posted the report about the attack in Geidam. The terrorists say they killed two Nigerian soldiers and wounded several. Three vehicles were also burned, according to the statement.
The Nigerian Army said there were no casualties on their side. Image
ISWAP says its fighters detonated an IED on a Nigerian Army vehicle yesterday, destroying it and killing those on board. So far I've heard nothing about that attack and can't confirm it. Image
The NAF conducted airstrikes against BH/JAS fighters in Bulawa (in Sambisa Forest) two days ago. Several members of the group are said to have been neutralized.

ISWAP is very quick to claim the attack in Auno from today's evening.
The group says six policemen were killed in an assault on a checkpoint, with weapons and ammunition captured.
No mentions in the media yet. Image
The photos from the Auno attack have now also been released. Most of them show dead policemen. One appears to have been captured by the terrorists and as usual, I decided not to show his face. Image
"Boko Haram fighters have opened fire on the convoy carrying the family of a former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff."

Five people, including three policemen killed in an ambush along the Kano-Maiduguri road yesterday.

saharareporters.com/2020/04/25/exc…
Amaq Agency released a video showing an execution of a Chadian soldier, captured last week in an ambush between Litri and Ngouboua.

Image
Punch says the attack on Ali Modu Sheriff's convoy took place on Thursday and not on Friday. The article also mentions the convoy was attacked in Auno, which means when ISWAP claimed responsibility, they weren't aware that Sheriff was in one of the cars.

punchng.com/boko-haram-kil…
At night ISWAP claimed responsibility for targeting a Chadian Army base in Litri two days earlier with four mortar shells. Image
The Nigerian Air Force neutralized several ISWAP fighters in Kolloram yesterday.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
At night ISWAP claimed responsibility for the attack on Nigerian soldiers near Baga. The group says several troops were killed and wounded two days ago.

The current situation around the town remains unclear (but if you have any info, please share it). Image
ISWAP just claimed an attack on Nigerian soldiers in Ladari, says several were killed and wounded.

According to this tweet, the attack did take place today and Ladari is in Ngala LGA.

Image
This OCHA map shows Ladari just north of Gamboru: reliefweb.int/sites/reliefwe…

This would place it right here: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…
ISWAP issuing statements the third night in a row - an attack on a military base in Auno (several soldiers claimed killed and wounded, a 4x4 vehicle, weapons and ammunition captured) and two shelling attacks on bases - in Goniri (10 mortar shells) and Buni Yadi (4 Grad rockets). ImageImageImage
.@SembeTv gives more details about last night's incident in Ladari. Interesting to see action from the Cameroonian Army. I mean, it makes sense because it's close to the border, but it's still interesting.

A good update from the Nigerian Army on the fight against JAS in Bama and Gwoza LGA. The fight not as often mentioned in the media, so it's good to see the good news.

In this week's issue of al-Naba, ISWAP included a photo from the Grad attack in Buni Yadi. You can see what appears to be a homemade device used to launch the projectiles. Image
The NAF launched airstrikes targeting JAS/Boko Haram-Shekau in Parisu (Sambisa Forest) and neutralized several fighters. The airstrikes took place yesterday.

More: defenceinfo.mil.ng/air-task-force…

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
ISWAP claimed two attacks today (both took place yesterday)
In the first, the group says three Nigerian soldiers were killed and several were wounded by an IED near Buratai (the statement says it's in Yobe, it's actually in Borno). Image
The second attack, according to the statement, was near Buni Yadi - two IEDs destroyed two Nigerian Army vehicles and killed 17 soldiers. A heavy machine gun and some ammunition were captured there. The photo above is probably the aftermath of that attack.
Some better news: Nigerien forces repelled a Boko Haram (I assume ISWAP) attack in Diffa today.

ISWAP claims responsibility for the Diffa attack, mentions "Dushi" as the location of the assault. I understand they mean Doutchi bridge on Yobe River, on the Niger-Nigeria border, mentioned in one of the replies by @RadioBouclier.

Location of the bridge: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#13… Image
As for the casualty count: Terrorists say they killed five soldiers, wounded several more, destroyed four APCs and seized seven vehicles. They claim taking control over the military base and burning it prior to their withdrawal.
ActuNiger says in the article that one soldier died in battle and several were wounded. It also confirms that the attack was repelled by the military.

actuniger.com/societe/16129-…
The Nigerian Army reports that more than 130 ISWAP members were killed in the recent operation (Kantana Jimlan) in Alagarno Forest. 16 "high profile informants" have also been captured in the last 2 weeks.

Amaq has a video from Diffa. To be honest, for me it looked like a robbery to me. The video confirms one killed Nigerien soldier.

Officially, the attack was repelled. This clip makes it seem much different. ImageImage
NAF launched airstrikes against ISWAP fighters in Dumba ("on fringes of Lake Chad", actually 60 km from what once was a shore of the lake but whatever).

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#13…

Video: ImageImage
The military says 48 ISWAP fighters were neutralized as a result. I can't confirm anything. I mean, I want to confirm it, but I can't.
The village of Debiro (Biu LGA) was attacked yesterday. The attackers burned several public buildings, including a school. I suspect ISWAP, its fighters have been active in nearby areas in recent months.

channelstv.com/2020/05/07/sus…
Meanwhile, ISWAP claims to have targeted a Nigerian Army military base in Goniri with five mortar shells. Image
ISWAP claimed two more attacks yesterday:
1. Burning of two churches in "Geldi/Galdi" (sounds like the Debiro attack, does anyone know if it's a local name or somehting?)
2. An ambush between Damboa and Maiduguri, several soldiers claimed killed and wounded, 4 vehicles captured. ImageImage
Two people were killed in a Boko Haram (JAS) attack in Dumankara (Madagali LGA of Adamawa State). The attack took place last evening, around 10 pm local time.

emergencydigest.com/2020/05/08/bok…
ISWAP released photos of vehicles purportedly captured yesterday in the ambush on the Maiduguri-Damboa road. One of them is a big truck. I wonder if they would be able to use it at all. Seems like a big bomb magnet for the NAF. ImageImageImage
"The military intelligence has so far arrested 28 notorious informants [...]. The suspects, under interrogation, have provided useful information that could lead to major crackdown on local collaborators and supporters in that axis"

prnigeria.com/2020/05/09/isw…
ISWAP has launched a new attack in the area of Doutchi bridge. No details are available yet.

actuniger.com/societe/16150-…
"The terrorists were killed, while soldiers were escorting Gwoza Caretaker Chairman, Saeed Sambo from Gwoza to Maiduguri, the state capital. [...] Sambo disclosed that the insurgents ambushed the military escort five kilometres to Bama town."

guardian.ng/news/army-kill…
This is from yesterday, but news about neutralized terrorists are always good, no matter the date.

Also from yesterday, also good news, but at the same time, it's just the tip of an iceberg.

"There are more than 300 camps that host dozens, in some places, hundreds of fighters and their families in territories within Borno and Yobe states,"

humangle.ng/inside-the-war…
ISWAP claimed two attacks today, both from yesterday.
In the first one, they say they repelled the Nigerian Army attack in Yau. Because of the lack of coverage, I can't say if it's the city near the border with Niger, south of Abadam, although it could be. Image
In the second attack ISWAP, according to the statement, ambushed a military convoy on the Gajiram-Monguno road (oh, so they're back ambushing there, great...), killing and wounding several soldiers. A vehicle, weapons and ammo are also claimed captured. Image
"Twenty-five “terrorists” were killed on Monday south of Diffa, the main city in southeast Niger, while “about 50… were neutralised” the same day on Nigerian soil in the Lake Chad region, in two operations by a regional anti-jihadist force"

vanguardngr.com/2020/05/75-bok…
Mainok is apparently under ISWAP attack. No details currently.

independent.ng/breaking-army-…
20 breeders were killed last Sunday by Boko Haram (the report says ISWAP was behind it) in Gogone (near the border with Nigeria). They were on their way back from Toumour market.

Location: satellites.pro/Niger_map#13.6…

facebook.com/UrgenceDiffa/p…
ISWAP released photos showing the aftermath of the ambush near Gajiram two days ago. A body of a killed soldier is visible here. Image
Yesterday's alarm in Maiduguri explained.
ISWAP says its fighters attacked a military base inside the town (in Jakana as well) with six Grad rockets.
This is why we've stressed the importance of the terrorists capturing them, they can attack towns without losing a fighter. Image
Nine terrorists were neutralized in Mainok yesterday. Two technicals were also captured (photos found online). Two Nigerian soldiers wounded as a result of the clash. ImageImage
The article also mentions that 18 JAS fighters were neutralized in operations in the southeastern part of Borno State. 72 civilians were rescued.

prnigeria.com/2020/05/13/tro…
ISWAP posted their side of the Mainok attack, says 17 soldiers were killed, several were wounded. Two 4x4 vehicles are also claimed captured. Image
The Punch (via AFP quoting military sources) says five soldiers were killed yesterday in that attack. Three vehicles are also mentioned as being seized by the attackers.

punchng.com/gunmen-kill-fi…
ISWAP also says its fighters attacked Mallam Fatori with 10 mortar shells and 10 Katyusha rockets yesterday. Image
It appears that we might soon witness a jihadist alliance in Borno - it means that ISWAP, JAS and splinter factions may form a united front against MNJTF. Lots of information in the article by @ottotgs.

newsdiaryonline.com/boko-haram-isi…
The Nigerian Air Force conducted airstrikes against JAS-Shekau in Alafa Yagayaga (in Sambisa Forest, south of Bama).

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

Video: ImageImage
From yesterday: Several operations reported by the Nigerian Army in the northeastern part of the country. Image
Diffa has been attacked for another time in just a couple of days. This time shelling was reported.
ISWAP later confirmed they were behind this attack, saying 3 Grad and 3 Katyusha rockets were used.

Image
"Two casualties among 156 Battalion and three casualties among reinforcement troops. All the casualties were evacuated to 7 Division Military Hospital. The situation in Mainok is stable but unpredictable."

punchng.com/boko-haram-att…
Today ISWAP claimed two attacks around Baga - one from yesterday, the other from earlier today. Both statements report a similar result - several soldiers killed and wounded.
The current situation in and around the city remains a big mystery to me. ImageImage
I love when my questions are quickly answered.

"Nigerian Army troops on Sunday killed 20 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province, (ISWAP) terrorists in the North-west of Baga town in Borno, a spokesperson said."

premiumtimesng.com/regional/nnort…
The Nigerian Army also posted some photos (in the last post of this thread by NA). Nine soldiers were wounded in the clashes.

ISWAP released a Ramadan photo report - some staged photos in what looks like a ghost town. The mosque in the first photo is very interesting. I tried to geolocate it, with no result. In the area of Lake Chad I found no similar large buildings. Geolocation challenge anyone? ImageImageImageImage
So this actually is in Baga. This is also why we have to challenge what official sources are saying. They reported the town was recaptured in January 2019, nothing about it being lost again wasn't posted since.

ISWAP reported many attacks and clashes inside and near the town in the last year. They even dedicated one article in al-Naba to the fighting inside Baga. This serves as proof of what is really happening there. The photos might be staged, the control of the town isn't.
"Insurgents in several pickup trucks fired barrages of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) in the attack Sunday on homes in Gajiganna village as people gathered inside for the evening meal, the sources told AFP."

guardian.ng/news/boko-hara…
ISWAP claims the Gajiganna attack, says several soldiers were killed and wounded in the assault on the local military base. This was reported by SaharaReporters: saharareporters.com/2020/05/18/bok…
What about the civilians, you'd say. They only claim civilian deaths when they're Christians. Image
This evening Dapchi was attacked by ISWAP, although I hear their attempt was repelled by the Army.

dailytrust.com.ng/happening-now-…
More details regarding the Dapchi attack yesterday.

"[T]he insurgents burnt down the palace of Dapchi District Head and the General Hospital.
[...]
[W]hen the hospital was set on fire many patients undergoing treatment ran for their lives."

saharareporters.com/2020/05/19/bok…
The Nigerian Army provides some details about the attack in Gajiganna - 2 terrorists killed, 1 technical destroyed, 2 captured.

The NAF video from Dapchi, showing three technicals circling around the town, two of them being destroyed by the helicopter later.

A couple of hours ago ISWAP claimed an ambush on the military convoy near Buni Gari, says four soldiers were killed, several were wounded, three vehicles destroyed, two (as well as weapons and ammunition) captured. Image
And here's the claim for the attack in Dapchi - according to ISWAP, several policemen and CJTF members were killed and wounded, they also say they burned 3 vehicles, local police HQ and government buildings. Image
The photos from the ambush near Buni Gari were also published. Half of them show dead soldiers and are very NSFW, only those burning trucks are tweetable. ImageImage
12 Nigerien soldiers killed, about 20 wounded in the attack in Bilabrine (northeast of N'Guigmi. Not clear which BH faction is responsible, I don't remember ISWAP claiming attacks this far north.

Location: satellites.pro/Niger_map#14.4…

levenementniger.com/region-de-diff…
ISWAP claims the attack in Gajibo, says two soldiers were killed, several were wounded. Image
"[T]he Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed some compounds in Njimia on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, where the BHTs keep their logistic items"

Still waiting for the video, maybe there will be one tomorrow.

prnigeria.com/2020/05/20/mil…
.@SaharaReporters say this video, showing a burning MRAP is undated. ISWAP actually took a photo of the same vehicle but the fire hasn't spread much. If we were to trust ISWAP, this video was taken on the 18th near Buni Gari.



There's also this video, showing wounded Nigerian soldiers, allegedly fighting Boko Haram. It looks like the aftermath of an IED attack and while there were some recently, it's impossible to link this clip to any of them.

The NAF video was actually already posted, thanks to @_AlameenYaqub for letting me know.

The airstrikes were near Alafa Yagayaga, where NAF attacked JAS a couple of days ago.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
And that's even more interesting. Those recent airstrikes targeting JAS in Sambisa, they are all in the same area. And it's not even deep in the forest, that's about 20-25 km from Bama. Image
The Nigerian Army released a statement regarding the ambush near Buni Gari. Two soldiers died, as confirmed by the ISWAP photos a day earlier (those very NSFW ones). Most of the statement actually confirms what the terrorists claimed.

And the last one for today, ISWAP claimed an attack in Kaiga (Kaiga-Kindjiria?) in Chad, saying several soldiers were killed and wounded two days ago. Image
It appears that yesterday ISWAP tried to attack Gajigana again. This time their assault was also repelled, with two terrorists killed, weapons and a truck (likely used as a technical) recovered by the Army.

ISWAP claims another shelling of Mallam Fatori. This time 10 mortar shells are reported as being used. No info about casualties. Image
Today ISWAP claimed two attacks:
1. An attack on an army base in Ajiri - three soldiers killed, several wounded, weapons captured, base burned
2. An ambush between Ajiri and Mafa - a vehicle destroyed by an IED, five soldiers killed, several wounded. ImageImage
ISWAP claims another attack in Chad, says its fighters raided a house of the Chadian Army "spies" two days ago. The reported location of the raid is "Krigakaya/Karigakaya" (كريغاكيا), which I couldn't find on any map. Image
There's a new airstrike video, this time targeting ISWAP in the Tumbuns of Lake Chad. It's very interesting but was also hard to geolocate. Turns out the airstrikes took place about 19 km SE of Mallam Fatori.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#13…

ImageImage
To also put that in the perspective (like I did with JAS), here are the locations of NAF airstrikes targeting ISWAP in the last few weeks. Interesting, isn't it? Image
A new NA statement about the recent operations targeting JAS east and southeast of Maiduguri. An operation against ISWAP is also there, but it's the one in Gajigana that was reported a couple of days ago.

facebook.com/story.php?stor… ImageImage
ISWAP claims the first attack in Cameroon in a long time. According to the statement, in Soueram they killed eight Cameroonian soldiers, wounded several and burned several vehicles as well as a local military base. Image
.@SembeTv reports the death of two soldiers and five ISWAP fighters.

Location of the attack: satellites.pro/#12.481147,14.…

Like in the Ramadan photo report, ISWAP also released photos from Eid al-Fitr. You can spot the children among the fighters. ImageImageImageImage
"DAILY POST reports that residents of the areas said about 90 residential houses, a Church, Clinic, 9 shops, and other properties worth millions of naira were destroyed during the attack."

Three villages in Biu LGA attacked, ISWAP is a possible suspect.

dailypost.ng/2020/05/26/bok…
After a silent period, ISWAP claimed two attacks today.
In a first, they say they repelled an attack from the Nigerien Army (not a typo, the military of Niger) in Gashigar two days ago. This makes it sound the terrorists have control over the town but obviously, there's no proof. Image
According to the statement, the second attack took place in "Qadamari" (fairly sure it's Khaddamari) yesterday. ISWAP says several soldiers were killed and wounded. They also claim to have captured weapons and ammunition and burned the local military base. Image
I know I haven't posted anything BH insurgency in a while, even though quite a lot has happened. To be fair, even with the recent pandemic, passing all my university exams takes precedence. I should be back to a "normal schedule" in about a week, maybe sooner.
...and I'm back (one exam left, but it's a minor one).

ISWAP claims (all numbers from their statements):
1. 02/06 - repulsed attack in Doron Naira, several soldiers killed and wounded.
2. 02/06 - an attack in Mile Four (near Baga), several soldiers killed and wounded.
3. 02/06 - a double IED attack in Mallam Fatori, several soldiers killed and wounded, an armored vehicle destroyed.
4. 03/06 - an attack near Doron Naira - several soldiers killed and wounded, an APC and an SUV vehicle destroyed.

Location of Doron Naira: satellites.pro/plan/Nigeria_m…
Two statements from the Nigerian Army, one regarding JAS (3 commanders, 72 fighters killed in total), one regarding ISWAP:

defenceinfo.mil.ng/?p=4619?ecbaai…

13 people were killed in several attacks in Borno. One of them is a female suicide bomber, who injured three people in Konduga.

dailypost.ng/2020/06/02/bok…
In this week's al-Naba ISWAP posted the aftermath of the attack in Borno. The text below says it's from the attack in Mile Four, but the group said previously it took place near Doron Naira. Something's wrong here.
Anyway, the destroyed APC appears to be an Otokar Cobra. Image
Related to the ISWAP claims, the Nigerian Army operation took place in the area of Doron Naira and near Baga. Nine terrorists were neutralized and one technical was destroyed. One soldier also died.

Six JAS fighters were killed "at Lawanti River line" near Konduga.
In the area between Borno and Adamawa (near Madagali) one JAS fighter was killed and two women, identified as wives of JAS commanders, were arrested.

Three more members surrendered to soldiers stationed in Pulka.

More: defenceinfo.mil.ng/more-boko-hara…
Another ISWAP attack in Cameroon - the group says several soldiers were killed and wounded in Sagme, about 20 kilometers north of Fotokol. Image
L'Oeil du Sahel reports no fatalities among the soldiers, says one was wounded in the attack. Four terrorists were also killed.

"[B]oko Haram terrorists on Saturday night engaged troops of the Nigerian Army in a gun duel few kilometers to Maiduguri in Borno State, SaharaReporters can confirm."

From what I've seen, 7 ISWAP technicals launched an attack about 10 km W of Maiduguri.

saharareporters.com/2020/06/07/bok…
That attack took place in Auno (which fits the description in the article). ISWAP says eight Nigerian soldiers were killed, several were wounded. The terrorists claim to have captured some weapons and burned a local military base. Image
Some photos from that attack also released. This is the only one suitable for tweeting (two other pics showed two killed soldiers). That "military base" looks more like a checkpoint, to be honest. It still was burned, I guess ISWAP can sadly say the attack was successful. Image
At night ISWAP claimed an attack near Gajiram, where they said they killed and wounded several Nigerian soldiers. Image
The Nigerian Army posted an update on operations against both ISWAP and JAS in Borno and Adamawa. Interestingly, yet another BH member surrendered to the military. It's notable but probably not that significant, unless something changes.

facebook.com/story.php?stor…
69 people were killed by ISWAP near Gubio yesterday. A horrific crime against civilians. 1000 local cows were also stolen by the jihadists.

dailytrust.com.ng/b-haram-kills-…
[NSFW] It's bad enough to read that so many people have been killed. To see them just lying there motionless, it's just heartbreaking.

The death toll is now at 81.

"The insurgents pretended as if they were there for any violence. Suddenly, they started shooting at will. Even children and women were not spared, many were shot at close range."

thecable.ng/survivor-how-b…
4 people were killed and 8 were wounded in an ambush on the Maiduguri-Damboa road.

humangle.ng/just-in-4-kill…

"the insurgents start opening fire on the first military convoy [...] before we knew it, there was heavy exchange of gunshots"

vanguardngr.com/2020/06/four-d…
The Nigerian Air Force destroyed a Boko Haram (JAS) hideout in Kacha Korle, neutralizing several fighters.

17 km SW of Bama, in the area of previous airstrikes targeting JAS.

More info: defenceinfo.mil.ng/operation-lafi…

Very low-quality video.

ImageImage
I'm calling massive BS on the first point in the statement from the Army.
1. JAS (Shekau's fighters) don't attack the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.
2. Even if they did, they wouldn't launch them from that particular village because it's almost 100 km away from the highway.
ISWAP officially claims the ambush on the Maiduguri-Damboa road. They actually claim less than it's been reported - 1 soldier killed, several wounded, 2 vehicles captured. Image
Thursday means new al-Naba from ISIS and there's some new info from the Lake Chad area.
First, there's a photo showing one of the vehicles, captured yesterday on the Maiduguri-Damboa highway Image
ISWAP also reported two attacks in Chad. The article says that on the 5th of June, they attacked the Chadian soldiers near Kiri Katia, killing seven and wounding several. On the same day, they raided the houses of four "spies" and executed them.

Location: openstreetmap.org/node/395831037…
On the 6th, ISWAP attacked a CJTF HQ near Geidam. The group says its fighters killed and wounded several and captured a 4x4 vehicle.
On the 31st of May, they captured a soldier and a policeman in an ambush on the Monguno-Maiduguri road and executed them.
This might be the attack reported in the media, however, the al-Naba article doesn't mention any humanitarian workers, Christians or anyone other than the two killed.

More about it: humangle.ng/developing-new…
Oh, and don't expect any statement about the massacre near Gubio from ISWAP. They don't report any killing of any Muslim, unless they are members of the military, government, Police or CJTF. In other words - they don't report what JAS and Shekau would.
Amaq has released a video showing the execution of a soldier and a policeman along the Monguno-Maiduguri road (the one I mentioned today). Awful. Image
ISWAP actually claims the Tuesday's massacre near Gubio.

"But Tomasz, you said they wouldn't"

Yes, but I mentioned that they do if one of the targets is CJTF. And that's how they call the victims in the statement. They weren't CJTF but everyone is an enemy if call them as such. Image
What's worrying, every civilian victim could be simply called "a militia member" and it still wouldn't count as "killing a Muslim" as ISWAP would say "they worked for the taghut government" so they could justify the killings. I hope it doesn't become something ordinary.
"Boko Haram terrorists are currently attacking Goni Sulemanti Village under Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State."

No details are currently known.

saharareporters.com/2020/06/13/bre…
I hear that Monguno is also under attack. Reportedly gunshots in the town have been heard since 11 am local time and the attack is still ongoing. Sounds like ISWAP is trying to divert the military's attention and launching a big assault on Monguno.
Update: The situation in Monguno is now calm. Daily Trust says the attack has been repelled.

dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-b-har…
In Goni Usmanti (not Goni Sulemanti) 42 people have unfortunately been killed on Saturday. That's a second massacre in the area in less than a week.
TheCable mentions that this time CJTF was present but were overpowered.

thecable.ng/42-killed-in-f…
The Nigerian Army posted a statement regarding yesterday's attack in Monguno. 20 ISWAP fighters were killed and 4 technicals were destroyed as a result of the Air Task Force's help in repelling the assault.

So far nothing about any civilians being killed. The Al Jazeera article mentions 40 killed but those were from the attack in Goni Usmanti. "Hundreds of civilians" are reported as wounded in the crossfire though.

aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/2…
A video from the airstrikes in Monguno has also been posted. In the beginning, the terrorists are shown wreaking havoc in the northern part of the town. However, they are later chased out of it because of the airstrikes.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
Vanguard says (quoting AFP) that 6 people were killed in Monguno yesterday - 2 soldiers, a member of CJTF and 3 civilians.

"The jihadists released inmates from a police station before setting the building and other government offices and shops ablaze"

vanguardngr.com/2020/06/iswap-…
Notice the vehicle in the bottom left corner of the first photo. It's suspiciously up-armored, almost like an SVBIED, although I don't think it has explosive payload on, otherwise it would've been photographed up close.

AFP reports (via local sources) that the death toll from the Monguno attack has risen to 15.

ISWAP posted a claim from Monguno and they claim a lot:
10 mortar shells, 20 soldiers and CJTF members killed, 1 captured, several wounded. 3 4x4 vehicles, weapons and ammunition captured. 3 barracks, government buildings burned. Image
Also 5 vehicles destroyed (armored vehicles, fuel trucks, 4x4 vehicles). Most of the stuff claimed have been reported by the media earlier.
Amaq has this photo from the Monguno attack. In the statement, the number of soldiers killed is now 23. Also claimed (only mentioning things not claimed earlier): most of the city captured, a police station and 3 checkpoints burned Image
The statement also mentions that propaganda leaflets were distributed to the people, here's one of them:

The translated leaflet can be found here: herald.ng/iswap-distribu…
From yesterday: An ISWAP commander killed during a military operation near Marte. Abu Imrana "coordinated the recent attacks in Monguno, Gubio and Nganzai"

thecable.ng/breaking-boko-…
There's also this very interesting article from @HumAngle_ about JAS (Shekau faction of BH) potentially expanding into the northwestern part of Nigeria (states of Zamfara and Niger).
There are also Ansaru-aligned groups in Kaduna.

humangle.ng/militia-groups…
In October ISGS launched a cross-border attack in Sokoto. For sure, the three groups won't be cooperating but having three such opponents would be much more difficult than just one (and don't forget about non-aligned bandits).

Meanwhile, ISWAP released photos showing the execution of an alleged CJTF commander near Gubio.

As usual, I decided not to show the face of the victim, I advise you to do the same. I'll say it straight - You wouldn't like to see the death of your family member on the Internet. ImageImage
Amaq has released a video from the Monguno attack. Shown in the clip: several armored vehicles set on fire, leaflets being spread among the locals and even an SVBIED (which, as we know, never hit its target).

Note: Slightly edited in order to upload it here.
You can hear a jet sound at least twice - at 0:45 and near the end. I'd assume that those scenes were shot before NAF launched airstrikes against the attackers.
The Nigerian Army released a statement regarding recent operations in Ngala, Bama, Gwoza and Nganzai LGAs. In total, 24 BH fighters (from both JAS and ISWAP) killed and 33 people rescued.

More details: facebook.com/story.php?stor… ImageImageImage
"[Mustapha Gubio] said five local government areas, comprising Guzamala, Kukawa, Abadam, Marte and Abadam are totally inaccessible and largely uninhabitable due to the presence of the Boko Haram and ISWAP members."

premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
ISWAP claims an IED attack in Mallam Fatori, says eight Nigerian soldiers were killed and their SUV was destroyed (as usual with the claims in that area, no official info available). Image
NAF airstrikes in Garin Maloma (in Sambisa Forest) targeting JAS positions. Geolocated about 30 kilometers SW of Bama (in the usual area of airstrikes against JAS).

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
ISWAP claimed an ambush on the Maiduguri-Damboa road, said 3 soldiers were killed yesterday and several were wounded. They also say they captured a 4x4 vehicle, weapons and ammunition.

An article confirms the ambush, says 1 soldier was killed.

eonsintelligence.com/details/news-1… Image
The new al-Naba has two new attacks claimed:
1. An attack on a checkpoint in Monguno on June 11 - 4 soldiers killed, a checkpoint burned.
2. An attack on a local militia HQ in Bargarom (in Chad) on June 10 - several buildings burned.

Location of Bargarom: openstreetmap.org/node/368754136…
There's also an article about the big attack in Monguno. Not too many new stuff, but the ISWAP's reason for the attack was "apostate army and Crusader missionaries being there and exploiting and tricking the Muslims" (sounds like any Islamic terror group).
NAF Airstrikes in JAS in Yuwe on 17/06. Geolocated about 40 km SW of Bama, slightly away from the usual "Airstrike Alley". Several fighters neutralized.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#E1…

ImageImage
ISWAP released photos of stuff captured two days ago in an ambush on the Maiduguri-Damboa road. It confirms what the group claimed to have captured yesterday:
Weapons ✅
Ammunition ✅
4x4 vehicle/SUV ✅ ImageImage
A third day with a video of NAF airstrikes on JAS in a row (I like the dynamic there). This time in Bula Korege (17 km S of Bama). Once again, several terrorists neutralized.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

More info: defenceinfo.mil.ng/operation-lafi…

ImageImage
ISWAP claimed an ambush on the Gajiram-Monguno road from two days ago. The group claims to have killed and wounded several Nigerian soldiers. Not releasing exact numbers implies the attack may have not been a full success. Image
NAF released a video showing airstrikes in Bula Bello (here) and Ngoske (in the next tweet), both near Bula Korege. Several JAS fighters neutralized.
Bula Bello - 17 km S of Bama.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#E1…

ImageImage
Ngoske - 19 km S of Bama. This settlement has been targeted multiple times, including in March 2020, December 2019 and October 2019.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#E1…

More info about the operation: defenceinfo.mil.ng/operation-lafi… ImageImage
According to HumAngle, The people on social media say that there is an attack in the Dalori IDP Camp area. Not much is known at the moment.
ISWAP claims to have repelled an attack in the Gamboru Ngala area yesterday, says several soldiers were killed and wounded. Image
ISWAP also claims an SVBIED attack in Kirenawa. According to the official statement, a fighter named Abdulrahman al-Ansari detonated his car bomb, killing 34 Cameroonian soldiers and destroying 2 vehicles.

Obligatory cc @HKaaman Image
The statement from Amaq provides more information: Soldiers from Nigeria and Cameroon launched a two-pronged offensive near Gamboru Ngala and Kirenawa. Once again ISWAP in Lake Chad claiming successful SVBIED attack near their core area.
It's interesting to see that when ISWAP has SVBIEDs used during an offensive (like in Monguno, or near Baga in 2019), they fail and are captured. When SVBIEDs are used as a defensive tool, they succeed (unless there were more but they fail and we'd never hear about them).
Yesterday ISWAP claimed two attacks - one on an outpost between Mallam Fatori and Bosso (several soldiers claimed killed and wounded) and a shelling of a base in Mallam Fatori (yet again) with six mortar shells. ImageImage
Also yesterday, ISWAP attacked Cross Kauwa. Nigerian soldiers repelled the assault, killing several terrorists. The photos from the aftermath are already circulating online but I don't post pics of dead people here. Waiting for an army statement, probably coming soon.
Before there's an army statement, ISWAP has its own. The group says several soldiers were killed and wounded. This, combined with the not-yet-official news, should prove that the attack was a failure. Image
NAF has a new video showing airstrikes on "Boko Haram Terrorists" in Borno: in Tongule (possibly ISWAP) and Bukar Meram (for sure ISWAP)

Tongule is located 10 km E of Gajibo.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
In the Tongule clip, you can see how a NAF pilot flies very low, just above the village, while conducting cannon strikes. It's the first time I see such action by NAF, very interesting to see it.

More on it by @BenDoBrown:
The airstrikes in Bukar Meram, in the Lake Chad. The settlement is located 34 km N of Gamboru and 27 km N of Kirenawa.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

More on the airstrikes: ImageImage
At least nine soldiers were reportedly killed, several soldiers and local self-defence partners missing after ISWAP ambushed the team on patrol along Damboa – Maiduguri road.

Yet another ambush there. It'd be safer to avoid traveling that road right now.

humangle.ng/iswap-ambush-t…
Yesterday ISWAP claimed another IED attack between Bosso and Mallam Fatori. The group says six Nigerian soldiers were killed and their SUV was destroyed. Image
NAF released a new video from the airstrikes against Boko Haram in Warshale. This settlement is near Tongule, which was targeted in recent days. 15 km E of Gajibo.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
ISWAP demands $500,000 for the release of 4 aid workers and a security guard, abducted in June on the Monguno-Maiduguri road. Daily Trust obtained the video of the abductees.

dailytrust.com.ng/boko-haram-dem…
ISWAP just claimed responsibility for the ambush on the Maiduguri-Damboa road, says 9 soldiers and CJTF members were killed, several were wounded. The group also says 3 vehicles, weapons and ammunition were captured. Image
The Nigerian Army posted an update for operations in the country in the last 2 weeks, in north east mostly about airstrikes in Borno. There's also official info about the attack in Cross Kauwa on 25/06 - 2 ISWAP fighters were neutralized.

defenceinfo.mil.ng/general-update…
Yesterday ISWAP released a photo report about the ambush on the Damboa road from 28/06. I can't show the photos here because it only shows bodies of killed soldiers and CJTF members. I can tell that it confirms what has been said about the number of people killed in the ambush.
SaharaReporters says Damasak is currently under ISWAP attack. Nigerian soldiers are present in the town but no further info is available now.

saharareporters.com/2020/07/02/bre…
The attack in Damasak has been repelled. Several ISWAP fighters have been killed. Some weapons (and a Volkswagen Golf Mk2) were captured.
Unfortunately, a child was killed by a stray bullet.

dailypost.ng/2020/07/02/bok… ImageImage
In this week's al-Naba ISWAP claimed an attack in Litri (Lac Province, Chad). On June 20, two members of a Chadian pro-government militia were killed in a raid on their home, while several Chadian soldiers were killed and their vehicle was destroyed by an IED in the same town.
A new NAF video - airstrikes in Mainyakare (19 km S of Bama, in Sambisa Forest). Several JAS fighters claimed killed. The settlement is near Bula Korege and Ngoske, both also recently targeted with airstrikes.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
ISWAP claims the attack in Damasak, says three soldiers were killed and several were wounded. Even if those numbers are correct, the terrorists lost more people than the Nigerian Army and, as we know, their attack was repulsed. Image
"A United Nations humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) helicopter came under fire in Damasak, Mobbar local government in the volatile Northern Borno region.

The helicopter was able to return to Maiduguri airbase shortly after the attack on Thursday"

humangle.ng/un-helicopter-…
NAF launched airstrikes on JAS positions in Mina (near the Gulumba Gana-Kumshe road), 22 km N of Banki. A bit unusual location, away from the area of recent airstrikes targeting JAS. H/T @BenDoBrown, who found it first.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
This may be quite important.
ISWAP claimed an attack on Filigori ("فلغوري", not sure about transliteration) in Gombe State. Likely a first attack claimed by ISWAP in Gombe. I heard nothing about the assault (I don't even know the exact location), let me know if you know anything. Image
ISWAP attacked Christians and members of CJTF in Filigori. 1 CJTF member and 1 Christian were killed, 3 members of the militia were captured. The group also says 10 houses were burned (a known tactic against Christians), weapons and ammunition were captured.
A new update from the Nigerian Army. 75 ISWAP and JAS fighters killed in June. 1 VBIED destroyed (I assume they mean the one from Monguno). 35 civilians rescued by the military.

More information (and photos): facebook.com/story.php?stor… ImageImage
ISWAP claimed an attack in Gajibo, says 1 soldier was killed, several wounded. No official info right now. Image
NAF Airstrikes in JAS positions in Parisu and Bula Bello (both in Sambisa Forest) on July 3. Both locations targeted previously. Several terrorists claimed neutralized.

Parisu: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…
Bula Bello: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImageImageImage
Yesterday ISWAP ambushed Nigerian soldiers on the road from Monguno to Gajiram. The statement (just posted) says several were killed and wounded. Because of no exact numbers, I assume there will be no photos later. Image
SaharaReporters confirms what ISWAP claimed yesterday about the attack in Gajibo.

"The sources said terrorists in gun trucks and several motorcycles engaged Nigerian troops in a gunfight during the attack, killing a soldier and injuring many."

saharareporters.com/2020/07/06/bok…
Social media posts on both Facebook and Twitter: Gubio LGA is under ISWAP attack. No more information available at the moment.
"The exploding devices killed one officer, Second Lieutenant, Abdullahi Alhassan and while inflicting injuries on two other soldiers. The contingent of over a dozen soldiers and officers were in two military gun trucks when the incident happened."

humangle.ng/improvised-exp…
About the Gubio attack today: The military repelled the assault, still waiting for more information.
During the attack in Gubio, ISWAP apparently also tried to launch (judging from the photos) a small scale attack in Monguno. Several attackers are claimed to have been killed, with one of them shown in the photo. One technical also destroyed.

Yes, that's another attack on the Damboa Road, at least fourth in the last two months. Yes, it's like on the Kano Highway back in the winter. Yes, I'm not surprised. Yes, it's sad to hear it. Yes, it could've been avoided.

NAF posted a video showing their actions in support of the land forces attacked in Gubio yesterday. The terrorists launched an offensive from the south.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
The technical on the left was said to be from Monguno, however, the one of the right (captured in the Gubio clip) is exactly the same one (thanks to @Murtalaibin who pointed that out). I don't know why the Nigerian Army made such a mistake. ImageImage
The Army says 2 soldiers died in the ambush on Damboa Road. 17 ISWAP fighters were neutralized. However, there are also unofficial numbers of 20-30 soldiers killed. I don't think there will be a new statement from the military though.

dailypost.ng/2020/07/08/bok…
DailyTrust says 20 soldiers were killed, HumAngle says 23 while SaharaReporters mentions 28 killed in the ambush near Damboa. It's just my opinion but the military knew it was bad, otherwise it wouldn't have posted a statement so soon after the ambush (something quite unusual).
What's worse, when ISWAP posts a statement on the attack, once again it'll probably be closer to the truth than NA. I'm also expecting photos, in recent ambushes in the area there were always photo reports posted as a proof.
Meanwhile, ISWAP claims two attacks. One in Qadmari/Kadmari (Khaddamari?) with several soldiers claimed killed and wounded and one in Gubio (the one seen in the NAF clip), also with "several soldiers" killed and wounded. ImageImage
ISWAP officially claims the Damboa Road ambush, mentions Bulabulin as the location, says 40 soldiers were killed, several wounded, also 5 vehicles, weapons and ammunition captured. Image
And as suspected, a "photo report" is also released. I counted about 25 bodies, those are the only pics suitable for Twitter. Lots of guns. ImageImageImageImage
The burning MRAP is (or, I should probably say, was) a Chinese CS/VP3.

armyrecognition.com/chinese_china_…
Thirteen Chadian soldiers were killed by a landmine near the border with Nigeria. ISWAP is obviously suspected.

Location (Kalam, 5 km from the border): openstreetmap.org/node/335693490…

humangle.ng/lake-chad-land…
There's an interesting tidbit in this week's al-Naba about the Damboa Road ambush two days ago - the article says that rain stopped the army convoy traveling to Damboa from where they were supposed to launch an offensive in Alagarno Forest (an ISWAP stronghold). Image
The weather data from Tuesday's late afternoon does indeed show rain but no more than 5 mm (unlike ISWAP, I wouldn't call it "heavy"). Still, a terrorist group is providing much more details than a national army. Image
Unsurprisingly, ISWAP claims the IED attack in Kalam (in Chad, near the border with Nigeria). While the HumAngle article from yesterday (the one I posted above) says 13 soldiers were killed, the terrorists only claim "only" 8. Image
Earlier today ISWAP claimed three attacks:
1. Repelling a NA attack in Baga yesterday - several soldiers claimed killed and wounded.
2. An attack on a military base in "Gada Blu" ("غدا بلو", said to be near Gamboru), also yesterday - several soldiers claimed killed and wounded. ImageImage
3. An ambush on Chadian troops on the road from Kaiga to N'Gouboua (also yesterday) - 11 soldiers killed, several wounded. The photo could be from the aftermath.
The attacks in Chad are happening more and more often. So much for "Bohoma Anger" offensive being a massive success. ImageImage
About the attacks claimed yesterday, SaharaReporters says 20 soldiers were killed in Baga and 15 were killed in Gada Blu. I don't see anyone else reporting this, plus the numbers sound weirdly too high so please let me have doubt.

saharareporters.com/2020/07/12/bok…
3 hours ago ISWAP claimed responsibility for an ambush on the Gajiganna-Tungushe road. The statement says several soldiers were killed and wounded but I see no media reports so it's hard to cross-check it. Image
This jihadi "indoctrination" of bandits around Nigeria should be worrying. They could be more dangerous when exposed to Shekau's ideology. NA must act before this gets out of hand.

humangle.ng/nigerias-terro…
And then there's this. NAF says there were "hideouts for suspected ISWAP elements and fighters" but according to HumAngle, they actually had ties to Ansaru. Either way, it's not good.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

humangle.ng/military-says-…

ImageImage
A lot has happened in the last 24 hours:
1. At least 8 soldiers were killed in an ambush on Damboa Road (where else could it have happened). The ambush took place in Komala, a settlement along the road.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

humangle.ng/iswap-conducts…
2. Another ambush took place on Damaturu Road, west of Maiduguri (where else could it have happened). The number of casualties isn't known but according to DailyPost "only one of the vehicles in the military convoy managed to escape the ambush"

dailypost.ng/2020/07/14/bok…
3. Finally, another attack was launched in the Gomari area, in the western part of Maiduguri. The nearby 333 Artillery Barracks was also under attack. Reportedly, NA managed to repel the assault.

thecable.ng/breaking-boko-…
Oh, and there's this. I wonder if General Adeniyi is charged because he recorded that video or because it was leaked. I've never been in the military but I don't think it's a good idea to charge him.

I mean I know a soldier should be obedient but why should he be punished for simply expressing an opinion that what is being done is just not enough?
Posts on social media indicate that Gamboru is under attack. The amount of attacks in recent days is really worrying.
NAF conducted airstrikes against JAS (Shekau's faction of Boko Haram) in Ngwuri Gana (near Kumshe, 25 km N of Banki). Several terrorists neutralized.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
Yesterday ISWAP claimed the ambush on the Jakana-Auno road, said 8 soldiers were killed, several were wounded and 3 4x4 vehicles, weapons and ammunition were captured. Image
It's quite bold to lose 30+ soldiers and claim recording "tremendous successes", isn't it?

Yesterday a new al-Naba was released. In the article about ISWAP, there is information about an ambush on Chadian soldiers on the Kaiga-Ngouboua road (which, I assume, is the same as the one claimed on Saturday. Here's the original claim:

The article gives more info about claimed fatalities, raising the number from 11 to 50. I am only aware of 14 people confirmed killed. Anyway, a photo showing weapons captured was also published. Here it is, plus CO doing weapon identification.

Al-Naba also has a very interesting op-ed about recent NA strategy and Super Camps. It repeats what analysts have been saying for months - weakened ability to gather intelligence, military patrols being vulnerable to the attacks and effective loss of control over the countryside.
However, the author also says the attack in Monguno showed that the power of Super Camps was just an illusion, as fighters were able to enter the town with little opposition. I believe this shows what the goal for ISWAP is going to be - capturing a Camp to crush NA's narrative.
Monguno is an obvious target - relatively close to ISWAP strongholds, far from other Camps and connected with them through roads that could be and have been areas of ambushes. As the attack in June showed, in case of an attack Super Camp Monguno has to rely on the Air Force.
Speaking of Super Camps, @BokoWatch and myself spoke to @PilotAfrican about the situation in the Lake Chad. I said an US help (cause of the links with the Islamic State) could be great but I agree with Jacob's point that at this point this seems unlikely.

westafricanpilotnews.com/2020/07/17/the…
ISWAP claims an attack in Ajiri (east of Maiduguri), says two soldiers were killed and several were wounded yesterday in an attack on a local base/outpost. Weapons and ammunition are also claimed seized. Image
3 farmers killed today in an attack in Boftari (Chibok LGA).

"They [villagers] said the insurgents have been coming in the past two weeks to loot without any resistance but were shocked they came shooting on Saturday."

Location: openstreetmap.org/node/501376273…

saharareporters.com/2020/07/18/bre…
The location of the village (east of Chibok) suggests JAS as suspected attackers. The only known ISWAP activity in that local government area was west of the city (and, last year, once or twice in the city itself).
Small correction: ISWAP actually claimed only one attack in the city of Chibok, it was in April 2019:
ISWAP claims yet another attack on the territory of Chad. This time the group says 11 soldiers were killed and wounded, weapons and ammunition are also claimed seized. Interestingly, the statement says it took place 5 days ago - an unusual period between attack and statement. Image
ISWAP released a video showing the execution of five humanitarian workers. The clip wasn't released by Amaq but its existence (and therefore, the information about the execution) was revealed by media outlets. The same thing happened last December.

The five men were kidnapped last month on the Monguno-Maiduguri road. ISWAP demanded $500,000 for their release. It can be assumed that they did not receive the money.

About no video from Amaq (as for right now) - this is not unusual as executions of aid workers are rarely distributed through official ISIS channels, with a notable exception for a December 2019 execution of 11 Christians which was first released to the media and then via Amaq.
As part of the "Battle of the Attrition, part 4" (mentioned yesterday), ISWAP claimed today's attack in Wulgo (the one reported by @SembeTv). No casualties are reported but ISWAP says several soldiers were killed and wounded (standard IS talk).

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12… Image
In the weekly newspaper of the Islamic State, ISWAP confirms the execution of five Nigerian aid workers kidnapped last month near Monguno. This follows the last week's threat against all Christian humanitarian workers in the area. Image
Also in that article, three more attacks are claimed:
On the 14th of June, two mortar shells targeted the Chadian Army base in Kaiga (the same day and the same location as the attack claimed by ISWAP 4 days ago).
On the 10th and the 13th, two vehicles were destroyed by IEDs on the road from Kaiga to Bargarom ("near the border with Cameroon", not sure about the location). In both attacks several Chadian troops are said to have been killed)
I didn't tweet about it yesterday, but this week's al-Naba has a eulogy of one Abu Khalid al-Barnawi al-Ansari (not a former Ansaru leader). Not a lot of details (including about his death), but the eulogy says he was a commander in the al-Qaqaa Brigade (Katbat al-Qaqaa). Image
A UN report concerning ISIS and Al-Qaeda was released yesterday. About the area of Lake Chad and Nigeria - the strength of ISWAP is reported as 3,500 fighters (down from 5,000 in February). It appears that Mustapha Kirmima has been executed.

Full text: undocs.org/S/2020/717 Image
Slightly changing the subject - Lake Chad certainly has its charm - in this timelapse you can see how vegetation (shown here in red) comes and goes in the area of Tumbuns of the Lake (between Baga and Mallam Fatori).
Three more claims from ISWAP just now (all regarding yesterday):
1. Another attack on local militia in that Falgori village in Gombe (commander and 2 members killed and again let me know if you know anything, especially location).
2. 7 buildings burned in Diffa (Niger Republic). ImageImage
3. A Christian kidnapped and executed on the Maiduguri-Damboa road. I hate to say this once again but it's as clear as it could be - the Damboa Road is very dangerous right now and Christians are and will be threatened by ISWAP. Image
Yesterday ISWAP claimed an ambush on a Nigerian Army patrol along the Damboa Road, said several soldiers were killed and wounded.
Last night, a Nigerien policeman was killed in Diffa. ISWAP claimed that attack, saying 1 of its fighters killed 3 soldiers.

ImageImage
Today ISWAP claimed to have targeted a Nigerian Army base in Mallam Fatori with six mortar shells. According to the statement, the attack took place yesterday. Image
Two days ago ISWAP attacked Tungushe. The attack must have failed since a technical and some weapons were captured. ISWAP claimed the assault, said several soldiers were killed and wounded.

Image
"At least 10 Nigerian soldiers have been killed and several others missing after an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

The attack took place along the Maiduguri-Damboa Highway on Saturday."

ISWAP claimed that attack yesterday.

saharareporters.com/2020/07/27/bor…
Now SaharaReporters is saying that Magumeri is/was under ISWAP attack.

"SaharaReporters gathered that the insurgents came into the village in trucks and on motorcycles around 2:15pm, shooting sporadically."

saharareporters.com/2020/07/27/bre…
Three more claims from ISWAP.
One is an ambush on the road from Baga to Cross Kauwa - the terrorists say several soldiers were killed and wounded yesterday.
Today ISWAP fighters attacked Sagme (Cameroon). The outcome is unknown - several soldiers claimed killed and wounded. ImageImage
The attack in Magumeri was also claimed. The statement says Nigerian soldiers and policemen (as well as CJTF members) were attacked today. 3 of them are claimed killed, a fourth one captured. ISWAP says 2 vehicles were damaged while an SUV, weapons and ammunition were captured. Image
So far (since Wednesday) under "The Battle of the Attrition" The Islamic State claimed 41 attacks. 11 of them took place around Lake Chad. That's almost 27 percent. That's a lot.
That's also another worrying sign of NA being unable to contain the threat coming from ISWAP.
New claim today: ISWAP says its fighters killed and wounded several Nigerian soldiers in the city of Baga two days ago. Image
I don't why only now, but Vincent's tweet made me realize that ISWAP fighters could at any moment cut almost all roads leading to/from Maiduguri, some in many places - Auno/Jakana, Gajiram/Tungushe/Gajiganna, Mafa/Ajiri, Magumeri/Gubio and Damboa.

The only road ISWAP can't use to conduct successful attacks is the one to Bama and further to Gwoza and Banki. And it's not that good either cause in that area there are JAS fighters present.
That's a recipe for disaster, ladies and gentlemen.
ISWAP says several Nigerian soldiers were killed and wounded yesterday in an attack on a military base in the Mile Three area (I assume the one raided in December 2018), near Baga. A second claim in that area today, is there any NA operation near the city? Image
More and more reports about an attack on Borno Governor Babagana Zulum and his convoy in Baga. Details are still unknown but posts on social media (mainly on groups on Facebook) indicate that Governor himself is safe.
TheCable (citing sources) says nobody was killed. I still remember similar reports being posted in February 2019 though.
That's when then-Governor Shettima and his convoy were attacked near Gajibo. Official reports said 3 people were killed but ISWAP had actually claimed 42.
A summary of yesterday's attack in Baga (video courtesy of PRNigeria):
15 people were wounded, no fatalities (so that's some decent news).
Zulum absolutely furious (I can't agree more since he was told the town was secure).
"The army has been here for over one year now, there are 1,181 soldiers here; if you cannot take over Baga which is less than 5 km from your base, then we should forget about Baga."

Governor basically confirming what we've been telling for months - Baga is not under NA control.
Zulum is quoted in this article: dailypost.ng/2020/07/30/you…

Here's Ben's geolocation to further prove what I'm saying - the convoy barely entered the town. Add this to the ISWAP's Baga Ramadan photo report and you'll see how does the situation look like.

ISWAP claimed an attack in Baga from yesterday (I assume it's this one, although Zulum's name or position isn't mentioned there), said several soldiers were killed and wounded. Image
2 new attacks claimed in this week's al-Naba, both on the road between Gajiram and Monguno, one on the 22nd and the other on the 24th. In both IEDs were used, destroying a vehicle and killing/wounding soldiers.
A photo of a military vehicle, captured in Magumeri, was also shown. Image
"Eyewitnesses said the explosions were the result of rocket-propelled grenades fired by suspected Boko Haram fighters from the outskirts of the city which dropped in Gwange 2 primary and customs area within the metropolis."

humangle.ng/boko-haram-mul…
ISWAP claimed 3 attacks yesterday evening:
1. Ambush near Monguno (with an IED) - several soldiers killed and wounded, a 4x4 vehicle damaged
2. Attack on an NA base in Logomani - several soldiers killed and wounded
3. Shelling of an NA base in Mallam Fatori with 8 mortar shells. ImageImageImage
10 people were killed, 2 kidnapped in an attack in Tinana (an IDP camp, 20 km E of Kaiga Kindjiria). The Bakoura faction (under Shekau's JAS) believed to be a perpetrator.
h/t @UnMecEnAfrique

tchadinfos.com/tchad/insecuri…
18 people killed, 11 wounded in a JAS (Boko Haram-Shekau) attack in Ngetchewe (in Cameroon, about 15 km E from the border with Nigeria, 30 km E from Gwoza) last night.

Location: satellites.pro/Cameroon_map#1…

"A man and his wife have been killed in multiple explosions that rocked Kafan Ruwa town under Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. The explosions occurred around 12:30am on Sunday [...] Many people also sustained injuries from the blasts."

saharareporters.com/2020/08/02/bre…
ISWAP released a photo report celebrating Eid al-Adha. First three photos were taken inside a mosque. The building shown on the last one was also present in the photo report showing Dawa' activities back in March. ImageImageImageImage
Here's the link to my tweet with that report:

Interestingly, that metal structure was also present in the Baga photo report during this year's Ramadan.


If it actually is in or near Baga, I'm done.
Last night, ISWAP once again tried to attack Sagmé (Northern part of Far-North province, 20 km north of Fotokol and border crossing with Nigeria in Gamboru). The outcome is currently unknown.

700 civilians left the village of Kalam (in Chad, near the border with Nigeria) following the attack on July 31 when 10 people were killed. Kalam is in the ISWAP's area of operations on Chadian soil. Last month, the group even claimed an attack there.

alwihdainfo.com/Tchad-au-Lac-7…
Today ISWAP claimed 2 attacks. The statements say:
1. They repelled an attack in Baga yesterday - several Nigerian soldiers killed and wounded.
2. Another IED attack targeting Chadian troops (a worrying sign) on Litri-Kaiga road - several killed and wounded, a vehicle destroyed. ImageImage
Yesterday ISWAP attacked Dikwa (east of Maiduguri). The details are currently unknown (we should know more later) but it appears that the attack was thankfully repelled.
Also yesterday, 10 people (including 8 women were kidnapped in Kablewa (southeastern Niger).

Location: openstreetmap.org/node/469376001…

The clashes in Baga seem to have continued as ISWAP claimed today clashes against Nigerian soldiers from two days ago, saying several troops were killed and wounded. Image
Not fully related to the Lake Chad area, but important - Ansaru (via pro-AQ Thabat Agency) claimed an attack on Nigerian soldiers in Kaduna State. The statement says 25 soldiers were killed and 10 were wounded but I'm not sure which attack are they referring to.
Ansaru did claim two attacks earlier in 2020, both also in Kaduna State. We can assume that is where that group is based right now.
There's also ISWAP in the Lake Chad and JAS gaining supporters in Zamfara and Niger State. Saying "It's bad" is like saying nothing.
Back to ISWAP, the group claimed an attack in Ajiri, saying 1 soldier was killed and several were wounded yesterday. Image
ISWAP claims to have damaged an armored vehicle of the Nigerian Army on the Kareto-Gubio road two days ago, says several soldiers were killed and wounded.

I thought that after the recent offensive there would be less claimed attacks in the area. This turns out to be wrong. Image
Yesterday evening ISWAP claimed yet another attack in Baga, once again saying "several" soldiers were killed and wounded. With this much fighting there, I wonder if there's any urban combat footage filmed by the terrorists. This would be interesting to see. Image
"Confirming the incident, the Acting Secretary of the council, Mallam Wali, said the whole communities bordering Magumeri Local Government headquarters, Gubio Council and Gajigana axis, near Nganzai council area, were currently under Boko Haram control."

vanguardngr.com/2020/08/just-i…
Commenting this would require lots of letter "H" and letter "A", one after another, like twenty times. It would mean I find this funny though, and I don't. Therefore, I will give no comment.

premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
ISWAP claimed an attack on a checkpoint in Dikwa. The statement says several soldiers were killed and wounded. Image
"Boko Haram Fighters in several vehicles again stormed Baga town and engaged Nigerian troops in intense fighting, killing several of them. The exact number of casualties is not yet known, one of the sources said."

saharareporters.com/2020/08/11/aga…
1. NA recaptures Baga (but doesn't)
2. Zulum is attacked in Baga (which was recaptured, but wasn't)
3. Zulum slams the NA
4. NA wants to prove itself by clearing Baga (which was cleared, but actually wasn't)
5. ISWAP attacks NA in Baga, kills soldiers

A joke? A tragedy? Both.
After almost a month, NAF has released a new airstrikes video. Target - JAS positions in Yamud (25 km N of Banki), near Ngwuri Gana where airstrikes were launched last month (see second photo).

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
Yesterday evening ISWAP claimed another attack in Baga. This time the group says two IEDs were used against Nigerian Army foot patrol, killing and wounding several soldiers. Image
Meanwhile, Nigerian soldiers and CJTF fighters killed several ISWAP terrorists in that area. The photo below (edited for obvious reasons) shows three people killed, there's likely more.

Source of the photo (unedited, NSFW): @ShettimaDogo Image
"Boko Haram insurgents on Tuesday reportedly manned a checkpoint and robbed motorists on the Maiduguri-Magumeri Road."

Nobody was killed but this confirms ISWAP's growing influence in the area, days after they reportedly seized some villages there.

dailytrust.com/boko-haram-amb…
In this week's al-Naba there's this photo from "Wilayah West Africa", very likely from Nigeria (can't tell more, there was no description added, unlike most of the times).
ISWAP was once again a primary mention on the front page, the photo used there was from a month ago though. Image
NAF says it has launched airstrikes against claimed ISWAP positions in Tongule (10 km E of Gajibo, 30 km S of Gamboru). The village was targeted back in June (see green marker in the second photo).

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
ISWAP claimed 2 attacks on the Kareto-Gubio road. The first one (claimed yesterday evening) was an ambush targeting soldiers and policemen, killing and wounding several. In the second (reported an hour ago), they claim to have captured a Red Cross vehicle from a fake checkpoint. ImageImage
ISWAP also released two photos from that road: A captured military vehicle (I don't a mounted machine gun there) and a body of a killed Nigerian soldier, which I will not be posting here. Image
"United Nations has lamented that 4.3 million people are now facing hunger and food insecurity in troubled North-East." Among those, there are more than half a million children under the age of 5.

Link to the report: reliefweb.int/sites/reliefwe…

punchng.com/4-3-million-bo…
Three more claims from ISWAP yesterday evening. Apart from the daily claim from Baga (this time an IED reported), the group reports killing several soldiers and destroying a military vehicle on the Gajiram-Monguno road with another IED and capturing an SUV in Mainok. ImageImageImage
And claimed just now, yesterday's ISWAP attack in Ladari (north of Gamboru). The statement says three Nigerian soldiers were killed, weapons and ammunition captured.
The village was previously attacked in April.
Image
ISWAP just claimed an ambush on the Nigerian soldiers on the road from Damasak to Gubio. According to the statement, 10 soldiers were killed yesterday, several were wounded. Terrorists also claim to have captured an SUV, weapons and ammo. Expecting a photo release soon. Image
Some better news. 11 people, kidnapped a couple of days ago in Gueskerou (southeastern Niger), have been freed. This region has seen an increased number of kidnappings in recent weeks.

actuniger.com/societe/16516-…
NAF published a video showing airstrikes in Tumbuma Baba (targeting ISWAP) and Boboshe (targeting JAS, in the next tweet) as part of Operation Hail Storm.

Tumbuma Baba is about 30 km NW of Gamboru.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
Tumbuma Baba is also 5 km from Bukar Meram, targeted by NAF 2 months ago.

Boboshe (photos below) is 23 km SE of Mafa and 35 km N of Bama.

NAF says in total "several" terrorists were neutralized.

Location of Boboshe: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11… ImageImage
"Heavily armed Boko Haram terrorists on Monday invaded Magumeri Local Government Headquarters of Borno state and firstly razed down the only functional Telecommunications mast before setting ablaze other infrastructural facilities."

vanguardngr.com/2020/08/again-…
Adding to Vincent's tweet: "[T]he insurgents also hoisted their flag in the town.

A resident of Kukawa... said apart from those killed, several others were left with serious bullet injuries."

saharareporters.com/2020/08/18/exc…

Not sure if this was meant draw away some attention from Kukawa but ISWAP claimed that its fighters have just targeted the Super Camp in Mallam Fatori with five mortar shells. Image
Also just released, ISWAP claimed responsibility for yesterday's attack in Magumeri, said several soldiers were killed and wounded, plus "several Red Cross buildings" were burned. Image
NAF Airstrikes in Bukar Meram (targeting ISWAP) and Dole (targeting JAS, in the next tweet) under Operation Hail Storm.

Bukar Meram has been previously targeted in June.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12… ImageImage
Dole is 10 km SW of Boboshe, more airstrikes in that area should be expected. 20 fighters have been killed.

I'm currently working on geolocating all NAF airstrikes in Borno since 2019, it should be finished soon.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
"Suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have taken hundreds of hostages in Borno State."

Seen reports about 6 Gun Trucks being lost in Kukawa.

The current NA strategy seems to be "One step forward, two steps back".

dailytrust.com/breaking-iswap…
Here's ISWAP's statement regarding the Kukawa attack: 7 soldiers killed, several wounded, 5 vehicles, weapons and ammo seized, 2 APCs and the military base burned. Pretty much confirming what has been said publicly. Image
ISWAP also claims to have attacked NA's HQ in Gajibo yesterday. The group says several Nigerian soldiers were killed and wounded, plus weapons and ammo were captured. "Several government buildings" are also claimed burned. Image
"The situation in Kukawa is now calm with troops in full control."
Is it because the attackers were repelled, or because they simply withdrew?

NA confirms 3 fatalities on their side, says 8 ISWAP fighters were killed in the attack.

defenceinfo.mil.ng/boko-haramiswa…
More from the NA:
4 terrorists were killed in Dikwa 4 days ago.
Another terrorist killed along Road Pulka-Firgi-Banki Junction.
A clash in Wagga Mangoro and Wagga Lawal (Gwoza LGA, don't know the location).
2 JAS terrorists killed along Road Banki-Pulka.

About the Gajibo attack claimed yesterday:
SaharaReporters says 5 soldiers were killed in that attack.
"The insurgents believed to be from the Islamic State West Africa Province attacked the military base in the town in about 15 gun trucks."

saharareporters.com/2020/08/20/bok…
ISWAP claims to have burned homes belonging to CJTF fighters in Buni Gari yesterday. The leaflet posted by Sani is very, very likely related to that incident.

Image
NAF launched airstrikes in Warshale (15 km east of Gajibo) as part of Operation Hail Storm. This location was previously targeted in June, as shown in the second photo. Several terrorists are said to have been killed.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
Although Warshale was reported as having "Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs’) structures" (this is used primarily to describe JAS), nearby villages of Tongule and Muktu were said to have ISWAP fighters. It's either inconsistency from NAF or something actually really interesting.
Yesterday ISWAP claimed an ambush in Kareto from a day before. The group says several soldiers were killed and wounded, adds SUVs, armored vehicles, weapons and ammunition were captured. Image
Why I don't post "news" about "hundreds" of ISWAP fighters killed by Nigerian Air Force airstrikes - for me the only reliable source for NAF airstrikes is NAF, and they didn't post anything. Unless there's a confirmation from NAF, I won't be taking those "news" seriously.
In yet another example of its new fight against NGOs in Borno, ISWAP shows photos of SUV captured from Red Cross (possibly they call all NGOs "Red Cross" now) near Kareto two days ago (so likely in the ambush I reported earlier today). ImageImage
NAF released a video showing airstrikes in Sabon Tumbun (below) and Kirta Wulgo (next tweet). NAF says several key ISWAP leaders have been killed.

Sabon Tumbun is 40 km east of Monguno, deep in the area of Lake Chad.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
Kirta Wulgo is a known ISWAP stronghold, targeted by NAF airstrikes in the past. It is even deeper in the Lake Chad, very close to the border with Cameroon.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12… ImageImage
I know what I've said about "certain experts" and their claims. I'm a man of my word and I do stand corrected regarding those airstrikes taking place. About the numbers of killed (reportedly in the hundreds) - I don't have enough proof. There's 15 killed in that clip at most.
Are all of those "commanders"? I find it very hard to believe. The gathering visible in 0:07 might be a local high command meeting but might as well not. Regardless, a dead ISWAP fighter is a good ISWAP fighter.
I tried to see if satellite images show anything (here's a photo from yesterday - a day of the airstrikes - from Sentinel-2) but... clouds, exactly over Sabon Tumbun. Thanks for nothing, Planet Earth. Image
"More worrisome, the intelligence report also reveals that suspected ISIS operatives have already positioned themselves in Niger State via Ìbàrùbáland, and are now within the Òkè-Ogùn corridor of Òyó State."

punchng.com/amotekun-backs…
Right now I find this hard to believe but I have been wrong about Boko Haram (by this I mean JAS) fighters being present in Niger State. Could they also be from JAS and trying to spread their ideology?
According to Human Rights Watch, Boko Haram (JAS) used child suicide bombers in Nguetchewe terror attack on August 1, 2020. 17 people were killed there.

hrw.org/news/2020/08/2…
Yesterday ISWAP claimed an ambush on the road from Gajiram to Monguno from a day before. The group claims to have killed and wounded several Nigerian soldiers (i.e. has no idea if anyone had died) and captured three vehicles. Image
Similarly to the statement above, earlier today ISWAP claimed an ambush on the road from Mainok to Maiduguri, saying several soldiers were killed and wounded yesterday. Image
MNTJF facilitated a safe return of a Nigerian Nurse, held in ISWAP's captivity in the Lake Chad area. The nurse escaped after airstrikes and made his way to a village in Niger Republic.
It's like a story from a Hollywood Movie but is real.

defenceinfo.mil.ng/mnjtf-facilita…
For the first time in more than 2 months, Amaq releases a new video from Borno. This particular one is from the ambush on the Gajiram-Monguno road. Particularly interesting are clips recorded probably with a GoPro, not seen before. No dead bodies shown.

streamable.com/htyytj
ISWAP claimed an IED attack from 2 days ago, saying 7 Chadian soldiers were killed and a vehicle was destroyed on the road from Ngouboua to "شوكوالي" - Tchoukouali perhaps? There is a village called Tchoukou Ali, near Ngouboua, but there is no official confirmation about it. Image
"The insurgents rode into fields in Alau village on Friday, seizing four farmers, hacking two to death and kidnapping the others after inflicting machete cuts on them, the sources said."

Alau is southeast of Maiduguri, JAS is a very likely suspect.

vanguardngr.com/2020/08/boko-h…
NAF conducted airstrikes targeting purported ISWAP fighters at Kaza (30 km E of Dikwa). The village is sort of between known areas of both ISWAP and JAS, near Muktu, Tongule and Warshale, all recently targeted by airstrikes.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12… ImageImage
I'm not really keen on taking NAF's words for granted (mostly because of that grey area where it could be either JAS or ISWAP) but for ISWAP it could as well be an area for establishing an operational presence to launch further attacks, perhaps towards Rann and Kala-Balge.
ISWAP claims to have ambushed a Nigerian Army convoy on the road from Mile Four (near Baga) to Cross Kauwa yesterday. From the statement (so not confirmed) - 10 soldiers killed, several wounded, an SUV and 4 APCs burned, weapons, ammo, 2 SUVs and a Phantom drone captured. A lot. Image
The group also claims an attack in Magumeri, also from yesterday. 10 soldiers are claimed killed, several wounded, barracks burned, a tank, an APC, 2 armored vehicles, 3 SUVs, a bulldozer destroyed, 3 vehicles, weapons and ammo captured. Also a lot. Image
In the statement from Amaq about those attacks there is also added information about Magumeri being briefly captured by the terrorists. They say they withdrew later but even if they remained there, they wouldn't have been able to hold the town too long.
Both attacks have been now confirmed - AFP (here quoted by TheDefensePost) says nine soldiers (and twenty attackers) were killed in Magumeri.
thedefensepost.com/2020/09/03/nin…
Ten soldiers are also confirmed killed in that ambush near Baga.
We are used to seeing overblown claims from terrorist groups but ISWAP's case, some of them are very accurate. What's worse (and I have said this before), sometimes those claims are more accurate than Nigerian Army has been saying (I will keep bringing back the Bulabulin ambush).
Meanwhile, ISWAP has two new claims.
First, yet another attack in Baga (said to be yesterday) with several soldiers claimed killed and wounded.
Second, an IED attack on the road from Buni Gari to Buni Yadi (also yesterday), claiming three soldiers killed and a vehicle destroyed. ImageImage
DailyTrust reports nine soldiers and two CJTF members killed in an attack in Komala (on the Maiduguri-Damboa road) on Saturday. Although the article says it was an ISWAP attack, it also says the attackers withdrew to Sambisa.
It can't be both actually.

dailytrust.com/iswap-kills-9-…
Sambisa is obviously Shekau's stronghold so it can't be ISWAP, who, to be fair, has not claimed that attack. But, this is an area where ISWAP conducts ambushes regularly. I'd say it's them rather than Shekau's JAS.
A new al-Naba is also released. One new attack claimed - according to the article, a Nigerian Army HQ in Baga was attacked on Friday with several soldiers killed and wounded. This photo was also posted, I assume it's from one of the attacks claimed yesterday. Image
ISWAP released a photo report from the attack in Magumeri. Apart from the 3 photos showing dead soldiers, there are also some showing captured weapons, ammo and an SUV as well as a destroyed APC/MRAP.
A photo from al-Naba I attributed to the Baga ambush is actually from here. ImageImageImageImage
"The Nigerian Government has revealed that Boko Haram terrorists were already in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and neighbouring states."

I fully agree with Jacob here, there are too many factions to call this claim BS.



saharareporters.com/2020/09/05/bok…
From yesterday: Nigerian Army reported rescuing 7 people from JAS in Gwoza LGA (it wasn't ISWAP like it's said in the statement, I hate when NA mixes them up). 5 terrorists were killed in the operation.

defenceinfo.mil.ng/operation-lafi…
10 civilians were killed in an attack on 3 villages 45 kilometers from Maiduguri. According to AFP (quoted by SaharaReporters), the killings took place on Sunday.

saharareporters.com/2020/09/07/bok…
Yesterday evening, ISWAP claimed an ambush on the Nigerian Army along the Gubio-Magumeri road from two days earlier. The statement says several soldiers were killed and wounded. As of right now, I am not aware of any more details. Image
Nigerian Army released an update for its activities in the last week. For the North East:
3 attacks repelled on 3/09 - Baga, Gajiganna and Gajiram.
2 terrorists arrested in Kamuya (Biu LGA) and 1 arrested in Damaturu on the same day.
Also, an ambush on the Gubio-Magumeri road was repelled (the date is said to be 6th of September, which is probably the same as claimed by ISWAP) - 1 terrorist killed, 1 technical and other weapons captured.

defenceinfo.mil.ng/general-update…
In this week's al-Naba, ISWAP claimed a new attack, this one between Wulgo and Gamboru (near the border with Cameroon). It's said to have happened on the 31st of August (usual al-Naba lateness). 3 soldiers are claimed killed, several wounded, plus weapons and ammo captured. Image
5 civilians killed by a suicide bomber in Zeleved (Far-North region of Cameroon) yesterday.

Location: openstreetmap.org/node/526351818…

3 attacks claimed by ISWAP in the last 24 hours:
1. An attack on Nigerian Army in Baga - several soldiers claimed killed and wounded.
2. An ambush on the Mile Four-Cross Kauwa road yesterday - several soldiers killed and wounded. ImageImage
3. 2 Red Cross (I assume they mean NGOs in general) burned in Kareto yesterday - showing ISWAP's fight against NGOs in Lake Chad yet again. Image
I may not be tweeting for 2 weeks but I am still opposed to the return of IDPs to Baga. At this moment it's still way too dangerous in the area. Because of where Baga is located and of ISWAP activity there, I'm worried this will end in a massive disaster.

dailytrust.com/iswap-terror-g…
Don't want to make it sound too over the top but if 15 security personnel (policemen, soldiers, CJTF) are killed in an ambush near Baga (the same as one reported earlier), how is the town itself going to be protected?

Location: openstreetmap.org/node/501429712

premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
The death toll from the ambush has risen to 30. ISWAP has claimed it earlier today, mentioning the same number of killed security personnel (and also the capture of 2 SUVs, weapons and ammo).

punchng.com/breaking-death… Image
ISWAP also claimed the attack on a checkpoint in Gubio (from yesterday), says 1 soldier was killed, several were wounded and weapons + ammunition were captured. Two photos were also released as evidence (one of them showing said killed soldier). ImageImage
Updates for yesterday first, the "while I was gone" update later (don't quote me on that).
As expected, photos from the aftermath of the Cross Kauwa ambush were released. 7 killed shown (3 of them from the Police, 1 from an EOD team) + 2 SUVs (and chainsaws) and weapons captured. ImageImageImage
4 more attacks were also claimed - 2 on the road from Sabon Gari to Damboa (an ambush and a fake checkpoint), 1 in Mandaragirau (2 CJTF members and a Christian kidnapped and executed). In "Shandum" (not sure about the location) several Christian-owned houses were burned. ImageImageImageImage
5 soldiers, abducted on Friday during the ambush near Cross Kauwa, were found dead.
"According to security sources, the insurgents abducted the five soldiers in an Armored Personnel Carrier, APC, who were later slaughtered and dumped in the bush."

vanguardngr.com/2020/09/5-miss…
"The Defence Headquarters says 13 Boko Haram terrorists alongside six women and 17 children from Kodila village, have surrendered to troops of 151 Task Force Battalion at Banki Junction in Bama Local Government Area of Borno."

punchng.com/13-boko-haram-…
Oh yes, and Governor Zulum's convoy was attacked yet again. Fortunately, this time there were no casualties.
"The windscreen of some vehicles was shattered, some vehicles had their tyres busted by gunshots, including the Government House Press Crew bus."

punchng.com/breaking-again…
According to BBC, ISWAP fighters used a donkey strapped with explosives in Sunday's ambush on Governor Zulum's convoy near Baga. I don't recall ISWAP using "donkey bombs", although they were used more commonly by the Shekau faction.

bbc.com/news/world-afr…
I deleted the tweet which I believed showed the ambush on Zulum's convoy. Apparently, the video was not from Nigeria. Apologies.
"While I was away"...
I finally compiled a list of attacks and incidents related to ISWAP and JAS in recent days (here are only those I haven't mentioned earlier). The list is incomplete, I haven't included any incident from Cameroon and Niger here - for Cameroon, check @SembeTv. ImageImage
ISWAP also claimed two attacks yesterday: a mortar shelling of a super camp in Mallam Fatori (from two days earlier, three shells used) and an attack on a local Red Cross office in Toumour (in Niger Republic, near Bosso), in which an SUV was burned and another was seized. ImageImage
NAF says it has killed several ISWAP fighters as a result of airstrikes in Tumbuma Baba, a settlement 30 kilometers northwest of Gamboru.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

(thanks for a 192p video btw) ImageImage
10 Nigerian soldiers were killed, 8 wounded in an ambush near Marte.
guardian.ng/news/jihadists…
ISWAP claimed the attack, saying 15 soldiers were wounded, 4 vehicles burned, 1 vehicle, weapons and ammo captured. The group also says 2 IEDs were used in the ambush. Image
Forgot about one claim from yesterday - ISWAP says it has targeted the Nigerian Army base in Baga with 17 mortar shells a day earlier. Image
As part of Operation Hail Storm 2, NAF conducted airstrikes targeting terrorists' locations in Maima (this tweet) and Tusuye (next tweet).

Taima is a settlement 12 km E of Dikwa and honestly, a good place to launch attacks in the area from.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12… ImageImage
Tusuye is located 7 km E of Maima. In OSM the settlement with these coordinates is shown as "Warshele".

Airstrikes in both locations were conducted on October 1.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
ISWAP wasn't very active in the recently, "only" two attacks claimed lately - one 2 days ago (double IED attack in Mallam Fatori, 6 soldiers claimed killed) and one just now (assault in Gubio, several claimed killed and wounded). ImageImage
"Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno State, has asked the Nigerian Army to attack Boko Haram hideouts if it intends to end the insurgency in the North-East."

And he is right.

saharareporters.com/2020/10/06/cha…
NAF conducted airstrikes targeting ISWAP positions in Tudun Wulgo and Tumbun Gini (both in the Lake Chad, although in different parts of the lake).

Tudun Wulgo is a settlement located about 40 kilometers E of Monguno.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#12…

ImageImage
Tumbun Gini is located in the northern part of Lake Chad - just south of Tumbun Rego and 30 km S of Mallam Fatori.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#13…

NAF says several ISWAP fighters were killed in those airstrikes. ImageImage
Meanwhile, ISWAP claimed two attacks today (and some more couple of days ago).
1. In Kauji (south of Damboa), they say they killed 6 "militia" (I assume they mean CJTF) fighters and burned their homes and HQ. Image
2. In Doksa (near the Timbuktu Triangle in Alagarno) they say they ambushed Nigerian soldiers and repelled their attack, killing 30 of them. 5 SUVs, 2 "troop carriers", weapons and ammo are also claimed captured. Photos from the attack are expected. Image
The photos from the Kauji attack were just released. Other pictures show three killed men in civilian clothing (called "a militia" by ISWAP anyway).

Location: openstreetmap.org/node/339691196… ImageImage
Yesterday evening ISWAP claimed to have destroyed a Nigerian Army vehicle near Damboa (the statement incorrectly saying it was in Yobe State) and killed and wounded several. Image
The latest claims prove 2 things:
1. If there were any connection issues between ISWAP and ISIS (something I suspected lately), they are now resolved.
2. ISWAP is certainly ready for, what I would call, "a winter campaign" - with dry weather, the increase in attacks is expected.
HumAngle with more info about the ambush in Doksa. "Dozens" of casualties are confirmed, with a Major among those killed. The article sadly pretty much confirms what ISWAP has claimed yesterday.

humangle.ng/iswap-ambush-s…
Two more attacks claimed today by ISWAP - one against an NA base in Magumeri (from two days ago, several claimed killed) and one ambush on the Gubio-Maiduguri road (from yesterday, 7 soldiers claimed killed, an SUV and weapons captured).

ImageImage
So far there's still no pictures but Amaq released a video from the ambush in Doksa. Apart from one soldier being killed (which I cut from this video anyway cause ToS and stuff), there's not much here. The attack from this perspective looks similar to other ISWAP assaults.
To be fair, what part of that article is "Fake News exclamation point x3"? We know it's not that it happened (because it did). Since AFP reports 14 killed now, it's not like the number of killed is exaggerated there. Seriously, someone explain this to me.

As for ISWAP, they released a photo report from that attack. Out of 10 pictures, 7 of them show dead Nigerian soldiers (so sadly 7 killed can be fully confirmed). The last 3 photos are those captured SUVs. ImageImageImage
I forgot to mention it when the news came out but apparently the "14 killed" were the outcome of a different attack, not the one in Doksa.
The Guardian (quoting AFP) says that attack took place in Jakana on Friday evening.

theguardian.com/world/2020/oct…

ISWAP claimed a second attack near Doksa (on the road towards Buni Gari, to be exact). The group claims to have killed 4 soldiers, wounded several, destroyed 2 SUVs and an APC plus captured weapons and ammunition. Image
NAF conducted airstrikes targeting "Boko Haram Terrorists" in Tsilala (29 km E of Dikwa). Faction unclear since it's a "grey area" in which this could be either JAS or ISWAP there and none of them would be surprising.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
Four Chadian soldiers killed, several wounded in an ambush on the road from Ngouboua to Kaiga. According to the article, the attack took place on Monday. The location suggests ISWAP fighters as likely perpetrators.

alwihdainfo.com/Tchad-quatre-s…
As expected, ISWAP did claim responsibility for the attack in Chad. The statement says several soldiers were killed and wounded. An IED was used during the operation and a boat was destroyed. Image
NAF conducted airstrikes targeting ISWAP training camp in Tumbun Barorowa (on the fringes of Lake Chad, 25 km SE of Mallam Fatori)

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#13…

ImageImage
ISWAP claimed a third attack around the village of Doksa in the last days. This time they say they targeted Nigerian soldiers inside of the village with 4 Grad rockets. I guess ISWAP used a makeshift launcher for those rockets, as they did previously around that area. Image
NAF conducted airstrikes targeting JAS positions in Ngoske, targeted multiple times in the past, as you can see in the second photo (old airstrikes in blue + some nearby but not seen in this shot; new in yellow)

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
Thursday means new al-Naba and this time there's one "exclusive" from ISWAP - a photo showing a burning vehicle, destroyed in an attack between Buni Gari and Doksa. This is from the second attack in that area, see tweet below:

Image
Armed Forces of Nigeria released a new report regarding their operations across the country. About North East - one new piece of information is: on October 16, troops encountered ISWAP fighters in Sawa (in Nganzai LGA of Borno State) and killed 4 of them.

facebook.com/61223746888371…
At least 7 soldiers have been killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Doska [aka Doksa], Borno state.

"[A]s they [soldiers] proceeded, they ran into an ambush."
"We lost seven soldiers, and 14 were critically injured."

thecable.ng/seven-soldiers…
Yesterday evening ISWAP fighters attacked Ngamdu (in Kaga LGA, about 30 kilometers east of Damaturu). Thankfully, their attack was repelled.

humangle.ng/nigerian-troop…
ISWAP released a photo report showing the aftermath of the ambush on the Gubio-Magumeri road a week ago. 4 killed soldiers seen in the pictures (ISWAP claimed 7 killed). The Weapon ID from @CalibreObscura below.

ImageImage
Two more statements from ISWAP about attacks in Borno:
In Mallam Fatori they claim to have killed 5 soldiers in an attack on a military camp and in Magumeri (the statement says 2 days ago) they claim 6 soldiers killed. ImageImage
ISWAP just claimed two more attacks: one in Babban Gida (in Yobe State, 3 soldiers killed, weapons captured; more on that attack here: dailypost.ng/2020/10/24/bre…) and one on the Mainok-Maiduguri road (6 claimed killed 2 days ago). ImageImage
NAF conducted airstrikes targeting both JAS (in Ngwuri Gana, 25 km north of Banki) and ISWAP (in Jumacheri, next tweet).

Ngwuri Gana had been targeted with airstrikes before, as seen in the second image.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
Jumacheri is a settlement 50 kilometers east of Damasak. The Google Earth images from there are 7 years old and honestly, you just have to believe me on that one.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#13… (slightly better/newer, but no 3D).

In total, several terrorists killed. ImageImage
Regarding the ISWAP claim from Mallam Fatori from two days ago - the footage below shows this was not a small battle and thankfully the attack was repelled.



16 ISWAP fighters were killed recently in the northern part of Borno State - 3 on the Maiduguri-Baga road, 11 in Magumeri (I assume during the attack claimed 3 days ago), and 2 in Mallam Fatori, during the clash mentioned above.

premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines…
"No fewer than 30 farmers have been killed in Njimtilo and Moromti communities in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State in the past one week by suspected Boko Haram insurgents."

punchng.com/bharam-killed-…
And now yesterday's claims from ISWAP:
1. Several soldiers killed and wounded in Marte. Considering the fact that the town is/was about to be resettled, this is absolutely expected. Image
2. 10 soldiers claimed killed in Mallam Fatori. ISWAP says an IED destroyed a vehicle the soldiers were traveling in. Image
3. 10 soldiers claimed killed in Damboa. However, the real number is much lower. 18 bodies of ISWAP fighters (and many guns - photos taken from Nairaland forum) were found. ImageImageImage
People have pointed out that this video is not new. I admit my mistake but the tweet will stay here, no need to hide the things I've done wrong. It's all part of life.

Yesterday ISWAP finally claimed the attack in Tungushe. The statement says several soldiers were killed and wounded. The lack of exact numbers in this case basically confirms that the attack was successfully repelled. Image
Yesterday ISWAP claimed an IED attack targeting a Nigerian Army vehicle between Bosso and Mallam Fatori. The group says 10 soldiers were killed and the vehicle was destroyed. Image
ISWAP fighters attacked Monguno yesterday. Although the details are not currently known, I hear the assault has been repelled.

vanguardngr.com/2020/10/mongun…
Note: Rev. Zango specifically mentions "Sojojin Khilafa" (meaning ISWAP) as kidnappers. The group claimed two attacks in Gombe State back in June. I hope this doesn't mean there will be more attacks there in the future.

saharareporters.com/2020/10/29/bre…

This week's al-Naba had two new pieces of news regarding ISWAP:
1. An attack on Nigerian soldiers in Gajiram on 22/10 - several claimed killed and wounded
2. An update on casualties in the ambush in Kaiga (in Chad, claimed on 20/10) - 24 people now claimed killed and wounded. Image
From Defense HQ's update on operations in last week:
2, 3, and 8 terrorists killed in Mallam Fatori, Ngwuri Gana, and Jumacheri (no dates given to either operation).
13 terrorists killed in total in Magumeri, Gajiram and Damboa (plus 22 killed in Damboa in that big attack).
3 ISWAP fighters killed while trying to ambush the IDP convoy traveling from Maiduguri to Baga.
Also, a small mistake in the report - Ngwuri Gana is nowhere near Damasak, I know what I'm saying.

facebook.com/story.php?stor…

2 attacks claimed by ISWAP yesterday (both said to have taken place 2 days ago):
1. A clash on the Sabon Gari-Biu road - 6 killed, an SUV, weapons, and ammo captured.
2. An attack in Monguno (the one reported on Thursday) - 3 soldiers killed, weapons, and ammo captured. ImageImage
There's also 1 attack claimed just an hour ago. ISWAP says its fighters attacked a local militia's HQ in Kauji (the third attack in a short time there), killing 2 and wounding several. Weapons and ammo are claimed seized while some houses were burned. Image
"At least 7 persons were killed when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a remote village in Chibok local government area of Borno State on Sunday morning"

It's near the villages attacked by ISWAP previously, so...

Location: openstreetmap.org/node/501506948…

dailytrust.com/breaking-boko-…
BBC Hausa now reports 12 people killed in yesterday's attack in Takulashi, near Chibok.

bbc.com/hausa/live/lab…
ISWAP claims yet another IED attack on the road from Mallum Fatori to Bosso. Once again 10 Nigerian soldiers are claimed killed. It seems that with those IEDs, ISWAP is focusing on disrupting the connection between the towns. Image
Just as I expected, ISWAP claimed responsibility for the attack in Takulashi, said 12 people were killed - 10 Christians (there's Christmas in less than 2 months, unfortunately, there will more such attacks) and 2 members of a militia (likely CJTF). Image
AFP confirms what I've heard about the IED attack in Mallam Fatori from 2 days ago - 9 soldiers killed. This confirms the ISWAP claim.

"The mine was definitely planted by ISWAP terrorists who operate in the area and against whom soldiers are fighting"

money.yahoo.com/landmine-kills…
ISWAP claimed 2 attacks today.
First, they say they ambushed Nigerian soldiers, CJTF members, and humanitarian workers ("Red Cross") two days ago on the road from Jakana to Mainok. They claim to have used an IED there, which damaged an SUV and killed and wounded several. Image
ISWAP also says its fighters killed and wounded 34 soldiers and CJTF members in clashes in the area between Gajiram and Monguno 2 days ago. I have not heard about any big casualties there but sadly ISWAP has been really accurate recently so let's wait. Image
This is the fight they are likely referring to. Both Gasarwa and Birmari are on the road from Monguno to Gajiram so this fits the description. CJTF says "scores" of ISWAP fighters have also been killed.

dailypost.ng/2020/11/03/bok…
A video from a local CJTF group:
"Yesterday, while on their way to Maiduguri, Yusuf Baba Idris, the gallant cjtf and his boys were ambushed by boko haram along Gasarwa and Birmari, Gajiram. Alhamdulillah, as they have succeeded in repelling the attack."

streamable.com/51br53
After weekend update:
On Thursday, ISWAP claimed two attacks: 1 in Marte, 1 in Baga.
In Marte - 3 claimed killed, an SUV, weapons and ammo captured.
In Baga - several claimed killed and wounded. ImageImage
On the same day, al-Naba published a photo from the attack in Marte - the SUV, mentioned in the tweet above. I believe it is from 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Dikwa. Image
Two days later, ISWAP published photos of two vigilantes killed in Takulashi (and their rifles) and this picture of an SUV, 2 motorbikes and a bike. Image
Finally, yesterday the group claimed an attack in Buni Gari, saying a soldier was killed and several were wounded. I can confirm the attack failed to reach its objective. Image
Meanwhile, Nigerian Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting ISWAP positions in Tumbun Allura (in the Lake Chad, near other Tumbuns with known ISWAP activity). Several fighters are claimed killed, the airstrikes managed to destroy a "suspected fuel dump".

ImageImage
Here are most of the locations where NAF targeted ISWAP in Borno State in the past 2 years. Please note that this is not the full list, although all of these have been geolocated (some have been targeted more than once). Tumbun Allura is in the northern cluster of targets. Image
On Sunday JAS (the Shekau-led faction of BH) attacked Gwoza, their attack was repelled successfully.

"The attack within the area of influence of the Shekau led faction of Boko Haram signals a possible resurgence in areas where the group operates."

humangle.ng/boko-haram-lau…
Using a YEN article since Defence HQ webpage doesn't work for me but whatever...

Nigerian Army released a new report on recent Operation Fire Ball.

As I mentioned, the ISWAP attack in Buni Gari was repelled, 5 terrorists were killed. A VBL and a technical were captured. ImageImage
(Interesting to see ISWAP actually use the armored vehicles they have captured btw)

On Sunday, a woman and 3 children were rescued during clashes against JAS.

On November 3, a female suicide bomber was "neutralized" in Bama before she managed to detonate her explosive vest.
On the same day, 2 Boko Haram (unclear which faction) fighters were killed during a clearence/fighting patrol in Bulama Lumbe and Ndufu (south of Gamboru).

Full report: yenlive.com/news/index.php…
ISWAP claims: 3 yesterday, 1 today.
2 from Mallam Fatori (both about mortar shelling), an ambush on the Gajiram-Monguno road (5 soldiers claimed killed, an SUV captured).
Today an ambush in Kareto claimed, several claimed killed and wounded, an SUV and a "troop carrier" captured. ImageImageImageImage
Because previous attempts to kill or arrest him were really successful (he's been proclaimed dead like 3 or 4 times), Nigerian Army has kicked off yet another manhunt for Abubakar Shekau. Good luck.

channelstv.com/2020/11/11/nig…
SaharaReporters has more names. Among the wanted are ISWAP leaders - Abu Musab al-Barnawi and Modu Sulum.

saharareporters.com/2020/11/11/nig…
This week's al-Naba doesn't have any new attacks being claimed but there is a photo of weapons and ammo captured yesterday in Kareto.
For ISWAP in general - there's a lot from Great Sahara and people with more knowledge on that subject will definitely write about it soon. Image
Yesterday, NAF published a video showing airstrikes targeting JAS positions in Njimia and "9 km west of Dure" (I was unable to geolocate the latter location).

Njimia is 24 km SW of Bama, it was also targeted in May.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImage
Meanwhile, ISWAP claimed an attack in Doro Naira. The group says 2 CJTF members were captured and executed there yesterday. Image
ISWAP released a new photo report showing its Da'wah activities. I feel like I've seen a guy from the 2nd photo before (he's also probably napping in the 3rd one). Interesting to see the same uniforms from Diwan of Da'wah people as those back in March.

ImageImageImageImage
This shows ISWAP's ability to reach out to the locals (people they kind of govern, I suppose) which is not something most of the ISIS' Wilayat can do. The uniformity for me is a sign of an ability to do it officially, not covertly. As small as this can be, it's still interesting.
As Operation Fire Ball continues, the Defense HQ released a new report about activities in the JAS "sector" (Bama/Gwoza).
2 JAS fighters killed, an "IED expert" captured in Ladantar (openstreetmap.org/node/501414950…)
An attack on the Super Camp Bitta (satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…) repelled.
If the person in the 2nd photo is this "IED expert", I can't help but notice how young he is.
More details about the Gwoza attack. A suicide bomber was neutralized, some weapons captured.
Sorry for pointing out typos, but I'd love a "Brownie Machine Gun"
facebook.com/DefenceInfoNG/… ImageImageImageImage
In Bakarise (Cameroon, near Kerawa and the border with Nigeria) a 90-year-old man was shot dead as a result of the JAS attack last night. Another man was wounded.

Location: openstreetmap.org/node/293315221…

ISWAP claims its fighters repelled (an important word here) a Nigerian Army attack in Baga yesterday, saying 5 soldiers were killed (and several were wounded) by an IED. Weapons and ammunition are also claimed seized. Image
NAF airstrikes targeting JAS in Sambisa "S" and Gobara. I was unable to find the latter location (I tried for about 6 hours).

The first one is located in the main JAS airstrikes area, 29 km SW of Bama.

Location of Sambisa "S": satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#11…

ImageImageImage
Still unconfirmed: According to DailyTrust, Boko Haram (JAS) shot down a helicopter near Banki, killing 5 people.

"An emergency source in Banki who visited the scene along the military said that the insurgents were likely responsible for the crash"

dailytrust.com/breaking-boko-…
Thankfully, this information was false. The correct story is - the helicopter had issues after takeoff in Banki, was repaired under military cover, and flew back to Maiduguri.

dailytrust.com/un-helicopter-…

ISWAP claim of the day: An ambush on a Nigerian Army convoy on the Monguno-Gajiram road yesterday. The claimed outcome - several soldiers killed and wounded, weapons, ammo, an SUV and a "troop carrier" (an IMV, I guess) captured, 2 other "carriers" (and a fuel truck) burned. Image
This is a confirmation of the attack claimed yesterday, basically confirming ISWAP's statement word for word. I don't know how capturing stuff counts as a failure, but whatever.

ISWAP is now confirming this attack, although it only names the location as "near Chibok". The statement says a Christian was killed. The attackers also claim to have burned a church and several homes.

Image
And here is that fuel truck that ISWAP apparently failed to burn, burning. Published yesterday in al-Naba by the Islamic State.

Image
The article also mentions one new attack - an ambush from 11/11 on the road from Goniri to Ngamdu. ISWAP claims to have killed and wounded several Nigerian soldiers, captured weapons and ammunition plus burned a truck, a fuel truck (another one), and a bulldozer.
The Defence HQ webpage doesn't work for me so I missed their report from 2 days ago:
1. On 15/11, troops of 251 TFB deployed in Molai area killed 1 JAS fighter and released 2 women and 3 children in a clash during payment of ransom (2,000,000 Naira) for them. Image
2. On the same day, 1 JAS fighter killed in an operation in the area of Zaye Ngusa (openstreetmap.org/node/501471018…)
3. Also on the same day, troops of 202 Battalion (Bama) conducted a "successful ambush", wounding several JAS fighters.
4. On 15/11, another ambush on JAS fighters was conducted along Pulka - Sabon Gari - Kirawa road, causing them to flee.
"Items recovered were: 8 bicycles, several bags of grains, assorted packets of drugs and other food items"

facebook.com/DefenceInfoNG/… ImageImage
ISWAP launched an attack in Magumeri yesterday evening. It is said to be successfully repelled. So far the group has not claimed that assault.

Another ambush, this time near Gajiram, and this time, sadly, it appears to be successful. Also no claim from ISWAP yet.

There is 1 claim posted today, although it is from Chad. ISWAP says a Chadian Army "ship" (I don't expect it to be more than a dinghy) was attacked with an IED 3 days ago. According to the statement, "dozens" of soldiers were killed. No official info as of right now. Image
I forgot to add the location - it is said to be between Litri and Ngouboua, so near the border with Nigeria and in the area where ISWAP has been active.
There is also a JAS attack in Cameroon. 1 person was killed and 2 were wounded in Gance.

Location: openstreetmap.org/node/244585931…

Apparently I also forgot about 1 claim from Borno - ISWAP says its fighters attacked a CJTF HQ in Ajiri yesterday. 1 member of the militia is said to be captured, while the HQ was set on fire. Image
SaharaReporters now says this was Governor Zulum's convoy traveling to Baga that was attacked near Gajiram (I assume SR and HumAngle are talking about the same incident). Zulum wasn't a part of the convoy, he flew to Baga in a helicopter.

saharareporters.com/2020/11/22/aga…
Regardless, ISWAP claimed the attack, saying 10 soldiers were killed, several were wounded. The group also says 3 SUVs and weapons were captured as the result of the ambush. Image
The Magumeri attack from 2 days ago was also claimed today. Because no exact numbers of killed and wounded (only "several", meaning they were not aware of any casualties they caused) are reported in the statement, this confirms the attack was not successful. Image
NAF targeted an ISWAP "logistics base" in Tumbun Rego (26 km SE of Mallam Fatori, on OSM visible as "Tumbun Rago"). Several ISWAP are claimed killed as a result of the airstrikes.

Location: satellites.pro/Nigeria_map#13…

ImageImageImage
Chad: 4 soldiers killed, dozens injured near Ngouboua after an IED targeted a boat on Tuesday night.
"We are trying to find out if this is a new technique of Boko Haram."
Spoiler: It is.
It's a second such attack in a week. ISWAP hasn't claimed it yet.

reuters.com/article/uk-cha…
ISWAP has just claimed the attack mentioned above. Instead of Chadian soldiers, the nationality of the killed is presented as... Canadian (which is obviously total BS, don't worry too much).
I can believe weapons and ammunition were captured (what the statement also mentions). Image
NAF conducted airstrikes targeting ISWAP in (what is left of) Doron Naira.

"[T]he location was used as the staging area from where the terrorists launched recent attacks... in and around Baga".
It is 25 km NW of Baga.

"Dozens" have been killed.

ImageImageImage
ISWAP claims a second attack today - yesterday's ambush on the Marte-Dikwa road. The group says an IED has been used, 7 soldiers were killed, 2 SUVs were destroyed, 3 were captured, along with weapons and ammunition. Given the location, I don't expect any official info. Image
Horrible news coming from Zabarmari (northeast of Maiduguri, openstreetmap.org/node/339317317…) as 43 farmers have been slaughtered in the nearby village of Koshobe. Although it took place in the ISWAP activity area, it rather resembles many JAS (Shekau) crimes.

pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/11/28/bok…
Note: An update regarding other recent developments (such as ISWAP claims, NAF airstrikes, NA Defence HQ reports) will be posted after the weekend.

• • •

Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh
　

Keep Current with Tomasz Rolbiecki

Tomasz Rolbiecki Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

PDF

Twitter may remove this content at anytime! Save it as PDF for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video
  1. Follow @ThreadReaderApp to mention us!

  2. From a Twitter thread mention us with a keyword "unroll"
@threadreaderapp unroll

Practice here first or read more on our help page!

More from @TomaszRolbiecki

Tomasz Rolbiecki Profile picture
Jan 17, 2022
With Ansaru publicly acknowledged as al-Qaeda's (or rather, AQIM's) affiliate in NW Nigeria, and its possible future attempts at using jihad to influence local bandit groups, I think it would be a good idea to summarize what we found out in the last two years or so.
Note: While I am planning on posting updates, this is not meant to be covering the whole NW banditry conflict. There are many people on Twitter who know much more about the local situation than I do. Instead, I am trying to show how AQ might use the conflict for its own gain.
The first sign of a possible resurgence of Ansaru came in a form of a photograph, published back in November 2019.

Read 12 tweets
Tomasz Rolbiecki Profile picture
Jan 1, 2022
(THREAD) Terrorism in the Lake Chad area in 2022.
This is a compilation of open-source information (such as articles, statements, videos, claims + their verification, etc.) about the Boko Haram conflict.

The 2021 thread is available here:
A year ago, the then Chief of Army Staff, TY Buratai stated that the military will "shame and disgrace Boko Haram and ISWAP" in 2021. If you ask me, I will say it did not. Everything is almost the same + ISWAP conquered Sambisa from JAS and Shekau's dead.

saharareporters.com/2021/01/01/arm…
Super interesting news. The locations reported by Deji (see his second tweet) imply the clashes took place across a wide area of Sambisa. At this moment, both the JAS invasion attempt and infighting in ISWAP ranks seem equally likely to me.

Read 56 tweets
Tomasz Rolbiecki Profile picture
Dec 31, 2021
(THREAD) Kwatar Daban Masara airstrike.

On 26 September 2021, Nigerian Air Force aircraft launched a "preemptive strike" on a purported ISWAP meeting in the village of Kwatar Daban Masara, on the edge of Lake Chad. However, there are still some unanswered questions.
First, let's check the village itself. The photos from 2010 show Kwatan Daban Masara (coordinates: 12.8063,13.8735) as a village populated by the fishermen, as several boats can be seen on the eastern edge, which leads towards Lake Chad.
However, by 2020, the village was no more, abandoned, almost completely destroyed and overgrown. A sole building can be seen on the eastern side. That area will be important later.
Read 11 tweets
Tomasz Rolbiecki Profile picture
Dec 6, 2021
(Thread) An attempt at reconstructing how the attack in Buni Yadi on 30 November 2021 unfolded.

Not a major one (thankfully), but the testimonies and photos give a clear insight into what happened.
Before the main attack, ISWAP launched a mortar/artillery assault (nine mortar and five artillery shells) on a Nigerian Police station in the town. We don't know if they caused any damage.
.@CalibreObscura and @blueboy1969 identified the weapons visible in the photos as a 2A28 "Grom" 73mm cannon and an OTO Melara 105mm Pack Howitzer. The former was used by ISWAP in the attack in Damboa in late October.

Read 14 tweets
Tomasz Rolbiecki Profile picture
Oct 30, 2021
(THREAD) Daesh released a new, 17 minute-long ISWAP video called "Makers of Epic Battles". It is the fifth video in that series, after the releases from Pakistan, Sinai, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
In general, the video is mainly covering the attacks from ISWAP's spring campaign in northern Borno and Yobe, although there are also clips from southeastern and southwestern parts of Borno state.
Most of the footage had been published in photo reports long before this video was released. This recycling is nothing new, Daesh has been doing it for years. However, there is also some new material.
Read 23 tweets
Tomasz Rolbiecki Profile picture
Jul 27, 2021
[THREAD] How to read Daesh’s attack reports – some thoughts
Sometimes when I tweet about Daesh in West Africa reporting an attack, I get replies about it being “propaganda”. My answer to them is “I agree, but…”, however, that “but” can be sometimes a bit difficult to explain.
The way Daesh statements are written is very formulaic. Most of them can be summarized as “By the grace of Allah Almighty, we attacked someone somewhere with some weapons, killing and injuring some people. We also destroyed and captured something, all praise be to Allah”.
I think this makes them very easy to read, even for someone like me who does not know Arabic. The only difficulties could be proper transliteration (not often though) and verification with local sources if what Daesh says is true (although that is a different thing).
Read 10 tweets

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!

This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3/month or $30/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Don't want to be a Premium member but still want to support us?

Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal

Or Donate anonymously using crypto!

Ethereum

0xfe58350B80634f60Fa6Dc149a72b4DFbc17D341E copy

Bitcoin

3ATGMxNzCUFzxpMCHL5sWSt4DVtS8UqXpi copy

Thank you for your support!

Follow Us!

Send Email!

:(