In a dramatic escalation of hostilities in Nigeria’s North-West, notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide has reportedly killed 20 fighters from the Sadiku faction of Boko Haram in a fierce showdown, seizing a significant cache of weapons in the process.
A recently surfaced video captured Gide’s victory speech, where he displayed seized items, including ten AK-47 rifles, RPGs, mobile phones, and an identity card reportedly linked to Sadiku’s 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 declared, condemning the faction for attacking civilians under the guise of jihad.
The rivalry between Dogo Gide and Boko Haram factions highlights the shifting dynamics of extremist operations in the region, where personal vendettas and strategic motives drive conflict. Intelligence reports reveal that Gide’s animosity stems from the 2023 murder of his brother Sani by Boko Haram fighters, prompting him to sever ties with the group and vow revenge.
Gide has since focused his efforts on expelling Boko Haram elements from his territory, particularly in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area, where he dismantled roadblocks set up by the group. During recent operations, Gide called on displaced villagers to return home, pledging to restore normalcy and earn community forgiveness.
The battle for supremacy among criminal and terrorist groups complicates Nigeria’s security landscape. While internal rivalries could weaken extremist networks, they also pose significant challenges for security forces navigating the fluid alliances and shifting loyalties in the region.
Dogo Gide’s rise as a dominant figure in this conflict underscores the complex interplay of power, revenge, and control in a region beset by violence. With both opportunities and risks emerging from these internal conflicts, the need for comprehensive, community-driven strategies to foster peace has never been more urgent.
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