By Peter.
Fighters from a Boko Haram splinter loyal to commander Ali Ngulde executed two women by beheading in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, accusing them of shirk (idolatry) after discovering alleged charms during a search.
Incident Details
- Date/Location: November 23, 2025 (reported), remote Mandara settlements near Cameroon border.
- Victims: Unidentified women apprehended in their homes; insurgents claimed “layu” (charms) proved witchcraft/idolatry.
- Execution: Public “trial” under faction doctrine, followed by beheading to “instill fear and enforce obedience.” Carried out before other fighters and locals for maximum terror.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who first reported via X, shared a video of the militants justifying the killings. No group claimed responsibility, but the Ngulde-led faction—operating from Gwoza Hills since 2015—matches the tactics and ideology.
Faction Background
Ngulde’s group, part of the surviving Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) remnant, controls pockets in Mandara/Gwoza despite military gains. Known for brutal enforcement of sharia (e.g., 2022 killings of 15–20 “witches” in same area), they’ve pledged to JAS leader Ibrahim Bakura Doro but operate semi-independently. Borno Gov. Babagana Zulum declared November 24 a day of fasting/prayer over the resurgence.
Broader Impact
This fits a pattern: Ngulde’s faction enforces anti-idolatry edicts violently, targeting “witches” (often women with traditional items) in border hideouts. Over 1,000 deaths in Borno 2025; military ops continue, but terrain aids insurgents. No arrests; locals urged to report tips.
A grim reminder of Boko Haram’s enduring terror in Nigeria’s northeast.
#BokoHaram #GwozaKillings #AliNgulde #BornoInsecurity
