Dogo Gide, a notorious bandit leader, reportedly killed 20 Boko Haram fighters from the Sadiku faction in Northwest Nigeria.
He also seized a significant cache of weapons during this complex battle for control.
A newly surfaced video shows Gide addressing his rivals, claiming victory after an ambush attempt by the Sadiku faction. In this video, he displayed seized items, including ten AK-47 rifles, RPGs, mobile phones, and an identity card allegedly linked to the faction.
“Sadiku and his group ambushed us, but we prevailed. Only one of our men was injured, while at least 20 of theirs were killed,” Gide stated.
He accused the Sadiku faction of hypocrisy, condemning them for killing women, children, and innocent people under the guise of jihad.
This development highlights the shifting dynamics of extremist activities in the region.
Alliances and rivalries among criminal and terrorist groups complicate ongoing security efforts.
The rivalry between Gide and Boko Haram factions, particularly the Sadiku-led group, appears rooted in personal and strategic motives.
Credible intelligence indicates that Gide, once allied with Boko Haram, turned against them after the death of his brother Sani in 2023. Since then, he has vowed to avenge his brother’s death and expel Boko Haram elements from his territory.
Gide has focused his recent operations in the Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.
He reportedly dismantled Boko Haram roadblocks along the Kuruba-Uduwa highway.
Addressing local communities, he sought forgiveness and pledged to restore normalcy, encouraging displaced villagers to return home.
Observers believe Gide’s actions stem from personal vendettas and a desire to consolidate control over lucrative criminal enterprises like cattle rustling and kidnapping in the region.
The dynamics in Nigeria’s North-West increasingly reflect the infiltration of Boko Haram and its splinter groups, such as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) and Ansaru.
These groups operate alongside local bandit kingpins, forming temporary alliances and fiercely competing for dominance.
JAS factions, led by figures like Sadiku and Umar Taraba, maintain headquarters in Niger and Zamfara states.
Reports indicate they excel in producing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and have broadened activities in the North-West and North-Central regions.
They utilize brutal tactics to ensure compliance and generate revenue through imposed local taxes.
Conversely, Ansaru has established a stronghold in Niger, Kogi, and Kaduna states, focusing on ideological propaganda and recruitment.
This group maintains links with al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel, raising concerns about the potential for regional spillover of extremist activities.
The rivalry between Dogo Gide and Boko Haram factions presents both opportunities and challenges for Nigeria’s security forces.
Internal conflicts among extremist groups could weaken their operational capacity, yet the fluid alliances and shifting loyalties complicate intelligence gathering and counterterrorism efforts.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Nigeria’s Northwest is a multifaceted crisis requiring a nuanced understanding of local dynamics.
Gide’s emergence as a prominent figure in combating Boko Haram highlights the intricate dynamics of power and human nature.
The conflicts revolve around revenge and the unending struggle for dominance in a region marred by violence.
As the situation continues to unfold, comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of extremism and foster peace remain paramount.