Notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide has reportedly killed 20 members of the Boko Haram faction led by Sadiku during a fierce battle for supremacy in Nigeria’s North-West.
The clash, which underscores ongoing tensions between rival criminal groups, also saw Gide seizing a significant cache of weapons.
In a video that has circulated widely online, Gide claimed victory, addressing his adversaries and showcasing seized items. The items included ten AK-47 rifles, RPGs, mobile phones, and an identity card allegedly belonging to a member of the Sadiku faction.
Security expert Zagazola Makama, who provided insights into the incident, quoted Gide 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.”
Gide further condemned the Sadiku faction, accusing them of hypocrisy and criticizing their actions, which he described as targeting women, children, and innocent civilians under the pretext of jihad.
Root of the Rivalry
Makama explained that the rivalry between Gide and the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction stems from both personal and strategic disputes. Gide, a former ally of Boko Haram, severed ties with the group after the murder of his brother, Sani, in 2023. He has since vowed to avenge his brother’s death and has actively worked to expel Boko Haram fighters from his territories.
Gide’s recent activities have focused on the Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State, where he dismantled Boko Haram roadblocks along the Kuruba-Uduwa highway.
In a bid to win the trust of local communities, Gide addressed displaced villagers, urging them to return to their homes and promising safety. He expressed a desire to restore normalcy and sought forgiveness from the affected communities.
Observers believe Gide’s actions are driven by both personal vendettas and an effort to consolidate control over lucrative criminal enterprises such as cattle rustling and kidnapping in the region. His campaign against Boko Haram elements is seen as a strategic move to strengthen his dominance in the North-West while attempting to portray himself as a protector of local communities.
The violent rivalry highlights the complex dynamics of armed groups in Nigeria, where alliances and enmities often shift based on personal, ideological, and economic interests. Gide’s claims of protecting communities and targeting Boko Haram may garner local support but remain part of a broader struggle for power and resources in the region.
