Bandits kill 20 Boko Haram terrorists in supremacy battle

• He further accused the Sadiku faction of hypocrisy, condemning them for killing women, children and innocent people under the guise of jihad.

A clutch of bandits led by Dogo Gide has killed 20 Boko Haram fighters in a supremacy battle in the troubled Nigeria’s North-West region.

Gide and his men also seized a cache of weapons from the terrorists who are said to belong to the Sadiku Boko Haram faction.

A video shows Dogo Gide addressing his rivals, claiming victory after an ambush attempt by the Sadiku faction.

Security Analysis and Counter Insurgency Expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the development, adding the clash was also not unconnected to ideological differences.

He said Gide displayed seized items, including ten AK-47 rifles, RPGs, mobile phones, and an identity card allegedly linked to members of the faction in the video.

Makama quoted Gide as saying: “Sadiku and his group ambushed us, but we prevailed. Only one of our men was injured, while at-least 20 of their men were killed.”

He further accused the Sadiku faction of hypocrisy, condemning them for killing women, children and innocent people under the guise of jihad.

According to Makama, the development highlights the shifting dynamics of armed non-state actors activities in the region, where alliances and rivalries among criminal and terrorist groups continue to complicate security efforts.

The rivalry between Dogo Gide and Boko Haram factions, particularly the Sadiku-led group, appears to stem from deeply personal and strategic reasons, he added.

Makama said Gide, once an ally of Boko Haram, turned against the group after his brother Sani was killed in 2023.

“Since then, Gide has vowed to avenge his brother’s death and has worked to expel Boko Haram elements from his area of influence,” Makama said.

Gide’s recent operations have focused on the Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State, where he reportedly dismantled Boko Haram roadblocks along the Kuruba-Uduwa highway.

Addressing local communities, Gide pleaded for forgiveness and pledged to restore normalcy, encouraging displaced villagers to return home.

Gide’s actions is believed to be spurred by a combination of personal vendettas and a desire to consolidate control over lucrative criminal enterprises, such as cattle rustling and kidnapping, in the region.