New evidence shows how JAS’ Shiroro cell adopts a flexible approach that tolerates local bandits and their vices.
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The cell is led by Abubakar Saidu, alias Sadiku. A native Babur from Biu in Borno State, Sadiku was sent to Niger State in 2014 by late JAS leader Abubakar Shekau. He was part of a seven-man team directed to meet the remaining members of the ultra-Salafist Darul Islam group. After beingAlthough Darul Islam had earlier rejected Boko Haram’s overture for alignment, Sadiku found fertile ground among its dispersed followers and started the Niger State cell along with his comrades from Borno.
A woman formerly married to a fighter recalled Boko Haram clerics from north-east Nigeria expressing disapproval, but Sadiku argued that the Fulani would ‘change with time.’ It is, however,The Shiroro cell is not structured under the traditional Boko Haram command system, but under kachallas , which shows an embracing of bandit terminology.
Further complicating the situation is the Lakurawa, a Sahelian-rooted Fulani armed group designated a terrorist organisation by Nigeria in 2025. While espousing jihadism, Lakurawa is predatory and operates in northwestern Sokoto and Kebbi states along the Niger Republic border. Meanwhile, ISWAP has long sought to expand beyond Lake Chad, even targeting southern states like Oyo to access coastal West Africa. ISS research shows it sent five commanders with 25 fighters each to Central Nigeria in April, maintaining a presence in Kogi’s Okene axis. Yet its success has been limited compared to JAS’ Shiroro stronghold.
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