Nigeria, March 5 -- At least 20 Boko Haram fighters were killed in a violent clash with their rivals from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the fight took place on March 3 when ISWAP militants launched a surprise attack on Boko Haram members loyal to the faction led by Bakura Buduma.

The battle happened in the riverine areas of Abadam Local Government Area and extended into parts of the Diffa region in Niger Republic.

The violence reportedly started after ISWAP ordered local residents to clear thick vegetation between Dabar Giwa village in Kukawa Local Government Area and Garin Mallam Ya'u. This unintentionally exposed the hideout of Boko Haram militants who had be...