A faction of Boko Haram terrorists loyal to notorious commander Ali Ngulde has executed two women in the Mandara Mountain region of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, after accusing them of engaging in shirk—a term the group uses to describe idolatry or the use of charms. The gruesome act, which has sparked shock and renewed concern over the group’s persistent brutality, occurred in one of the insurgents’ remote enclaves where they continue to impose their extremist interpretation of Islamic law on civilians living under their influence. Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, describing the killing as yet another reminder of the group’s ongoing campaign of fear and coercion in communities around the Mandara Mountains.
According to him, the women were intercepted during a search operation conducted by members of the Ali Ngulde faction inside their hideouts. The terrorists accused the victims of possessing charms—locally called layu—which they interpreted as evidence of spiritual practices forbidden under their extremist ideology. Makama explained that the insurgents immediately subjected the women to what they call a “trial,” a crude and arbitrary process that resembles neither Islamic jurisprudence nor any recognized legal system. “This so-called trial is nothing but a ritual of intimidation,” he said. “It is a tactic the group regularly uses to control people, enforce strict compliance, and eliminate anyone who does not conform to their dictates.”
A Chilling Execution Captured on Video According to reports, including video footage circulated within intelligence networks, the terrorists conducted what they described as an “investigation,” questioning the women about the charms allegedly found on them. The footage shows the insurgents insisting that the items constituted proof that the victims were practicing idolatry—an act they claimed warranted death under their distorted interpretation of religious law.
After the staged trial, the women were led to a secluded part of the mountainous terrain. There, before a gathering of fighters and some civilians held captive by the group, they were publicly beheaded—a method the faction has used repeatedly to instill fear among surrounding communities. Intelligence sources say the execution was deliberately carried out in full view of others living in the area. By doing so, the faction seeks to reinforce its authority and discourage any form of dissent or non-compliance with its oppressive rules.
Boko Haram, like many extremist organizations, relies heavily on psychological warfare, using graphic punishment as a tool to silence resistance and maintain dominance. Advertisements Mandara Mountains: A Decades-Long Hideout The Mandara Mountains, straddling Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, have long served as a refuge for Boko Haram fighters. Its rugged terrain, caves, and scattered settlements make it difficult for conventional security forces to access.
The steep, rocky environment offers natural protection, enabling terrorist factions to regroup, recruit, and launch attacks on nearby communities. Over the years, several Boko Haram commanders—including Ali Ngulde—have built strongholds in the area, creating micro-governments where civilians have little choice but to submit to their authority. The latest incident underscores the ongoing difficulty of reclaiming these remote enclaves despite military operations targeting their networks.
A Pattern of Grim Punishments This is not the first time Ali Ngulde’s faction has carried out brutal executions, particularly against civilians accused of violating its harsh codes. The group has executed men, women, and even youths on allegations ranging from espionage to sorcery to refusing forced marriages. Security observers note that accusations of “shirk” or “idolatry” have become increasingly common among Boko Haram factions as a pretext for punishing individuals who possess amulets, talismans, herbal materials, or other objects tied to traditional African belief systems.
For many rural communities in the region, such items are part of long-standing cultural practices and are not associated with religion or rebellion. However, in areas under the influence of Boko Haram, these traditions have become grounds for suspicion and violence. Advertisements Makama emphasized that such killings have little to do with religious principles and everything to do with consolidating power. “This is about dominance,” he said. “The insurgents weaponize religion as a tool of control, twisting it to justify acts that are fundamentally criminal and inhumane.”
Implications for Civilians and Security Efforts The execution has renewed concern among local residents and humanitarian groups about the safety of civilians still living in or near Boko Haram-controlled enclaves. Many of these individuals lack safe corridors for escape and live under constant surveillance by the insurgents. Attempts to flee are often met with violence.
Meanwhile, security forces continue to conduct targeted operations in Borno and surrounding states. While significant progress has been made in degrading Boko Haram’s capabilities, analysts warn that enclaves like those in the Mandara Mountains remain stubbornly resilient. The terrain, limited local intelligence, and the group’s familiarity with the environment present ongoing challenges.
A senior security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that military operations have pushed Boko Haram factions into more isolated parts of the region, but this has not eliminated the threat. “What we are seeing is fragmentation and adaptation,” he said. “The factions may be smaller, but they remain dangerous. Their tactics are erratic, and civilians often bear the brunt of their desperation.” Calls for Increased Protection and Intelligence Support
Civil society groups and local leaders in Borno have repeatedly urged the federal government to intensify efforts to protect isolated communities, many of which lack communication access to report incidents or request help during emergencies. Humanitarian organizations also stress the need for better intelligence sharing and more resources for early-warning systems to prevent further atrocities.
As the military continues operations along the Gwoza axis, analysts say there is a need for sustained counter-radicalization initiatives, community engagement, and rehabilitation programs for individuals rescued from insurgent-controlled areas. Without these measures, extremist factions may continue to exploit cultural practices and vulnerability to terrorize civilians. A Tragic Reminder of a Lingering Crisis
The beheading of the two women stands as another grim chapter in the long-running insurgency that has devastated Northeast Nigeria for over a decade. While the frequency of large-scale attacks has decreased, incidents like this highlight the persistent threat posed by splinter factions still capable of inflicting terror on civilian populations. For families living in the shadow of the Mandara Mountains, the incident has cast yet another pall of fear over daily life. As the region awaits stronger interventions and the hope of permanent peace, the killing serves as a stark reminder that Boko Haram’s brutality remains a horrifying reality for many.
