At least 200 people have been killed in violent clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP in Nigeria’s Lake Chad region.

Deadly fighting erupted on Sunday in Dogon Chiku, near Lake Chad in northeast Nigeria, as rival jihadist factions Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) battled for territorial control. The confrontation, fueled by long-standing ideological divisions, has become one of the bloodiest internal conflicts between the two groups in recent years.

Local militia member Babakura Kola reported that around 200 Boko Haram fighters were killed, while former Boko Haram member Saddiku claimed that 200 ISWAP militants also died, with several of their weapons seized. Boko Haram itself admitted losing four members in the battle. Nigerian intelligence officials, monitoring the aftermath, estimated the death toll at over 150, noting that the scale of losses could significantly weaken both factions.

The rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP dates back to 2016, when ISWAP split from Boko Haram over ideological differences. Since then, the two groups have repeatedly clashed in the Lake Chad basin, particularly in Borno State, where the capital Maiduguri has suffered repeated attacks. The latest violence underscores the fragility of security in the region, where civilians are often caught in the crossfire.

For local communities, the consequences are devastating. The ongoing struggle for dominance between jihadist groups has created a humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and leaving many without access to food, shelter, or medical care. Aid agencies warn that the fighting exacerbates instability in an area already plagued by poverty and climate challenges.

While some Nigerian officials described the heavy losses as a “positive development” that could weaken both groups, analysts caution that the conflict may simply intensify as each faction seeks to reassert control. The Lake Chad region remains a strategic hub for militant operations, and the cycle of violence shows little sign of ending.