Dogo Isah, a notorious bandit leader responsible for leading violent attacks and terrorizing communities in Kaduna State, has been killed in a clash with a rival faction.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, the confrontation, which occurred on January 7 in Kachia forest, was reportedly triggered by a dispute over cattle rustling.
He stated that Isah and his gang attempted to steal cattle from a camp led by Kachalla Musa, a repentant bandit leader.
He also said that the incident escalated into a violent gun battle that claimed the lives of Isah and two of his gang members.
“Isah, who was also the cousin of Tukur Sharme, another bandit leader killed in a similar factional clash in September 2024, was notorious for high-profile attacks in Kachia and parts of Kajuru Local Government Areas.
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“Kachalla Musa’s group had recently embraced a peace initiative introduced by the Kaduna State government and security agencies.
“This initiative, supported by stakeholders in Tsohon Gaya village, Chikun LGA, encouraged bandits to surrender and abandon criminal activities”, Makama reported.
However, Isah rejected the offer and continued his reign of terror, including cattle rustling and violent attacks.
Makama also highlighted the series of deadly incidents linked to Dogo Isah’s group, underscoring the group’s reign of terror in Kaduna State. In 2022, Isah’s gang was responsible for the killing of members of the 305 Artillery Demo Regiment in Makaranta Forest, located in Kagarko Local Government Area.
“That same year, the group carried out another attack, resulting in the death of a security officer from the defunct Operation Whirl Punch near Gadan Mallam village along the Abuja-Kaduna road.
“Most recently, on January 5, 2025, the gang ambushed a Nigerian Navy checkpoint in Kujama. During the attack, two Navy personnel were killed, and their AK-47 rifles were stolen, further cementing the group’s violent reputation.
“Despite his death, fears are growing over potential reprisals from Isah’s followers, particularly against Kachalla Musa’s group. The report noted that the development has heightened anxiety among the recently repentant members of Musa’s camp, who now face threats of retaliation.
“Isah’s demise as a significant blow to banditry in Kaduna, they caution that sustained efforts are needed to prevent”, Makama added.
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