Army captures 12 suspected Mahmuda terrorists in Kwara

The Nigerian Army has apprehended 12 individuals suspected to be associated with Mahmuda, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, during a series of military operations targeting terrorist strongholds in Kainji Lake National Park.

This group is accused of unleashing violence, extortion, and brutality on residents across border communities in Baruten and Kaiama local government areas in Kwara State, as well as Borgu in neighbouring Niger State.

The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, made this known on Saturday while addressing troops stationed in the region. His visit aimed to evaluate troop welfare and monitor progress in the ongoing counter-insurgency mission.

According to Onubogu, the arrests came after multiple raids carried out within the park and its border communities.

“Of the 12 suspects arrested, two are confirmed members of the armed terrorist group, while the remaining individuals are believed to be accomplices,” Onubogu said.

Codenamed Park Strike IV, the military operation is focused on eradicating terrorist cells and criminal activity from the expansive national park and its surroundings.

Troops have reportedly covered over 90 kilometres from Kemanji deep into the park, where a secure military presence has now been established.

“The operation is achieving its objectives,” the GOC declared, adding that the deployment has led to the displacement of insurgents and a gradual return of calm to the affected areas.

During the visit, Maj. Gen. Onubogu also paid courtesy calls to traditional rulers, including the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the Head of the Kemanji Community, Shao’ki Aliyu Siki-Muhammed.

He reiterated the army’s dedication to lasting peace, boosting community morale, and restoring trust in the region.

This development follows an earlier order by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who gave troops a one-month deadline to clear the forest of insurgents and criminal threats.

In response to that directive, the 2 Division has expanded deployment across the Kainji forest and strategic border zones in both Kwara and Niger States to enforce the mission.