Army Arrests 12 Mahmuda Terrorists In Kwara

The Nigerian Army has arrested 12 persons in connection with acts of terrorism carried out by a new terrorist group, “Mahmuda”, in the northern part of Kwara State.

Mahmuda insurgents reportedly occupied the Kanji Lake National Park from where they were terrorising the people of Baruten and Kaiama local government areas of Kwara and Borgu local government area of Niger State.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, who recently visited the camps in Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of Kwara State, disclosed this on Saturday during a visit to the troubled regions to obtain firsthand information about how the officers and men are faring and get updates on the operation.

Onubogu said the military picked up the 12 suspects arrested at various locations in its raid of the Kainji Lake National Park and the border communities.

Two of those arrested were said to be confirmed members of the terrorist group, while others were said to be accomplices in the criminal act.

“The counterinsurgency operation code-named ‘Park Strike Four’ is meant to, among other things, flush out the bandits and clear the Kainji Lake National Park of all criminal tendencies”, he added.

The GOC disclosed to journalists in his team that the men and officers deployed for the operation are not resting on their oars to restore sanity at the park and raise the hope of the people around the area.

He said that during the raid operation, the troops successfully combed at least 90 kilometres from Kemanji into the Kanji forest, where its firm base is currently situated.

The GOC, who said the mission is already being accomplished, added, “Both the men and officers have succeeded in dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements.”

After interacting with the troops, Gen Onubogu also visited the Emir of Kaiama, Alh Muazu Sheu Omar, and the head of the Kemanji community, Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, where he raised the locals’ hopes, boosted their morale, and restored their confidence.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Chief of Army Staff had given the troops a one-month matching order to flush out the bandits from Kainji Lake National Park.