Militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād have mounted roadblocks in some parts of Borno State.

Areas, where the checkpoints were mounted by the terror group, include “Mararaban Kimba, Ammo Bulin, Wajiroko, Gada, and Sabon Gari, all located along Damboa/Biu Road,” one of the sources said.

Sources said the insurgents have been checking on travellers IDs to fish out security operatives travelling in mufti, which is daring considering how much effort the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari said it had put into ensuring security in the North-East.

ISWAP, which split from the mainstream Boko Haram in 2016, has become a dominant group, focusing on military targets and high-profile attacks, including against aid workers.

Since the death of JAS leader, Abubakar Shekau, the group has been consolidating its grip in locations around Lake Chad.

Just recently, it appointed Wali Sani Shuwaram, a 45-year-old as the new Leader (Wali) of ISWAP in Lake Chad.

The sect’s membership has swollen with the defection of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters under Shekau.

The Nigerian army has repeatedly claimed that insurgency had been largely defeated and frequently underplays any losses.

In the past months, soldiers have been targeted by the insurgents, who lay ambush on their path.

Hundreds of soldiers and officers have been reportedly killed since January 2021.

saharareporter