The Nigerian Army has apprehended 12 individuals linked to terrorist activities during a military raid in Kwara State. The suspects are believed to be members of Mahmuda, a splinter faction of the Boko Haram insurgents.
According to military sources, the group had been occupying the Kanji Lake National Park, exploiting and terrorizing residents of nearby border communities in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, as well as Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State.
Major General Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division, disclosed the arrests following his recent inspection of military operations in Kaiama and Baruten. He stated that the suspects were captured at various locations during the army’s raid on the park and surrounding communities.
Among those arrested, two were identified as confirmed members of the armed bandit group, while the others were described as accomplices in criminal activities.
Major General Onubogu further revealed that the counterinsurgency mission, code-named Park Strike Four, aims to eradicate bandits and purge the Kanji Lake National Park of criminal elements.
“The troops have successfully combed a distance of at least 90 kilometres from Kemanji into the Kanji forest, where our firm base is currently established,” he said. “Both the men and officers have succeeded in dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements.”
During his visit, General Onubogu also met with the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the Head of Kemanji Community, Shao’ki Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, to discuss security measures and community cooperation.
It would be recalled that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, had earlier issued a one-month ultimatum to troops to clear the area of bandits.
