Notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide emerged victorious in a fierce clash with a faction of Boko Haram led by Sadiku.
In a video circulating online, Gide triumphantly showcased a trove of weapons seized from the defeated Sadiku group, including ten AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, mobile phones, and an identification card belonging to a Sadiku faction member.
Gide, in a chilling address captured on video, declared, “Sadiku and his men ambushed us, but we prevailed. Our losses were minimal, while their casualties amounted to at least 20.” He further condemned the Sadiku faction for their brutal tactics, accusing them of ruthlessly targeting innocent civilians, including women and children, under the guise of religious extremism.
According to Zagazola Makama on his X handle, this decisive victory highlights the intricate and ever-evolving power struggles within the region, where various criminal and extremist groups engage in a complex web of alliances and bitter rivalries.
The conflict between Gide and the Sadiku faction is deeply rooted in personal vendetta, ignited by the tragic killing of Gide’s brother, Sani, by Boko Haram in 2023.
This act of violence ignited a fierce desire for revenge within Gide, fueling his relentless campaign to expel Boko Haram elements from his sphere of influence.
Gide’s recent military operations have been concentrated in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, where he successfully dismantled Boko Haram roadblocks along the crucial Kuruba-Uduwa highway. In an attempt to regain the trust of the local populace, Gide has publicly sought forgiveness and pledged to restore normalcy, urging displaced villagers to return to their homes.
However, while Gide’s actions may appear to be driven by a noble desire to restore order, analysts believe that personal vendettas are intricately intertwined with more strategic motives. Gide’s primary objective appears to be consolidating his control over lucrative criminal enterprises, such as cattle rustling and kidnapping, which have become increasingly prevalent within the region.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fluid and unpredictable nature of the security situation in the North-West.
The ongoing conflict, characterized by shifting alliances, personal vendettas, and the pursuit of criminal gains, poses a significant challenge to security forces and continues to threaten the safety and stability of the region.