In a dramatic escalation of violence in Nigeria’s Northwest, notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide reportedly eliminated 20 Boko Haram fighters loyal to the Sadiku faction during a fierce supremacy battle in the Kwatankoro Forest, which straddles Niger and Zamfara states.
According to a detailed report by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the clash occurred after Sadiku’s fighters ambushed Gide and his group in an attempt to eliminate him. However, Gide and his men overpowered the attackers, seizing a large cache of weapons in the process.
In a video released by Dogo Gide following the encounter, he can be seen delivering a victory speech while displaying the captured weapons, including ten AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), mobile phones, and an identity card linked to the Sadiku 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 in the video. He also condemned Boko Haram factions for targeting civilians under the guise of jihad, accusing them of hypocrisy.
Makama’s report highlights the long-standing rivalry between Gide and Boko Haram factions, which dates back to 2023 when Boko Haram fighters allegedly killed Gide’s brother, Sani Gide. This personal loss led Dogo Gide to sever ties with Boko Haram and vow revenge against the group.
Since then, Gide has focused on eliminating Boko Haram elements from his territory, particularly in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area, where he dismantled roadblocks previously set up by the group.
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Security experts have described this incident as indicative of the complex and evolving dynamics of extremist activities in Nigeria’s Northwest.
Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a security analyst based in Abuja, explained, “The rivalry between Dogo Gide and Boko Haram factions reflects not only personal vendettas but also strategic competition for dominance over lucrative criminal enterprises like cattle rustling and kidnapping. Such conflicts among extremist groups can weaken their overall capacity but also create challenges for Nigeria’s security forces.”
Makama’s analysis further notes that Gide’s rise as a local power broker complicates efforts to combat insecurity.
His recent outreach to local communities, including a pledge to restore normalcy in Shiroro LGA, underscores his attempt to consolidate control while undermining Boko Haram’s influence.
The Sadiku faction, along with other Boko Haram splinter groups, continues to expand operations in Nigeria’s Northwest and North-Central regions. These groups employ brutal tactics to enforce compliance, levy taxes on local populations, and sustain their operations.
Meanwhile, Ansaru, another splinter group with ideological ties to al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel, has established a foothold in states like Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi, raising fears of regional spillover of extremist activities.
The internal conflicts between Dogo Gide and Boko Haram factions present a double-edged sword for security forces.
On one hand, the rivalry could weaken the operational capacity of extremist groups. On the other hand, shifting alliances and fluid loyalties make intelligence gathering and counterterrorism efforts more difficult.
“While the conflict between Gide and Boko Haram factions creates temporary disruptions, it also highlights the urgent need for a coordinated and robust security response,” said Dr. Musa.