By Damilare Adeleye
Reports have emerged that a notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide, who has been terrorising Northwest states, especially Zamfara, has passed away.
According to reports, Dogo Gide died after sustaining injuries from gunshots during an encounter with the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) in Madada forest in Maru Local Government Area of the state on March 12, 2024.
One Imran Muhammad, in a statement posted on his X platform on Wednesday, noted that the encounter took place in the challenging landscape of Madada forest within the Maru local government area on March 12, 2024.
Dogo Gide was said to have been covertly taken to a hospital in Mabera, Sokoto, Sokoto State, where he eventually passed away.
Imran explained that his appearance at the hospital was supposedly made easier by a security official who is currently detained, prompting concerns about potential sabotage within the security forces.
He added that the successful elimination of Dogo Gide represents a notable achievement for the Nigerian security forces, showcasing the collaborative endeavors of 1 Division and 8 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Dogo Gide and his cronies were carving out a territory for themselves before airstrikes conducted by the Nigerian Armed Forces destroyed their camp on Sunday, June 7.
Dogo Gide is among the released pictures of 97 terrorists and armed bandits declared wanted in the country, by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
The demise of Dogo Gide marks a significant victory for Nigerian security forces, particularly the combined efforts of 1 Division and 8 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Their coordinated search and rescue operation aimed at freeing abducted Kuriga pupils from Kaduna State, held hostage in Zamfara State subsequently led to the encounter with Dogo Gide and his foot soldiers in Madada, Kuyambana, and Malekete axis.
Dogo Gide’s criminal record includes affiliations with ANSARU and other top terrorist groups, with claims of responsibility for heinous acts such as downing a military helicopter in the Dansadau-Birnin Gwari axis and the abduction of students from Federal Government College Yauri.