By Rimandale Shawulu
Please read this — it changes how you understand Nigeria’s northeast security situation.
When Nigerian media says: “Boko Haram,” they are almost always describing two different organisations that split in 2016 and have been fighting each other ever since.
Boko Haram — now called JAS — and ISWAP split because of one disagreement: Boko Haram’s leader Shekau believed Muslim civilians who cooperated with the Nigerian state were legitimate targets.
The Islamic State disagreed, removed him, and created ISWAP under a new leader.
In 2021, ISWAP sent fighters into Sambisa Forest to capture Shekau.
He killed himself rather than surrender.
But his group survived — and has grown stronger since his death.
In 2026, both groups are active, sometimes fighting each other, sometimes cooperating.
The US and Nigeria targeted both in a joint military operation in May.
I have done a full 15-minute breakdown on Ndeya Live.
Share with anyone who follows Nigerian security.
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