In a decisive blow to insurgency in Nigeria’s North Central region, troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 12 suspected members of the notorious Mahmuda Terror Group, a deadly splinter faction of Boko Haram, during a high-stakes counterinsurgency operation in the dense forests of Kainji Lake National Park, Niger State.
The crackdown, part of the ongoing Operation Park Strike IV, is aimed at dismantling the terror network that has recently unleashed a reign of terror on border communities spanning Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas in Kwara State and Borgu LGA in Niger State.
Major General Obinna Onubogu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, disclosed the breakthrough during a morale-boosting visit to frontline troops stationed in Kaiama and Baruten. According to him, the suspects were captured at multiple hideouts following a series of precision raids conducted deep within the forested stronghold.
“Out of the 12 arrested suspects, two have been positively identified as active operatives of the insurgent group, while the rest are believed to be close collaborators providing logistics and intelligence support,” Gen. Onubogu stated.
He added that troops had combed and secured over 90 kilometres of hostile terrain from Kemanji to deep inside Kainji Forest, dislodging heavily armed militants entrenched in the area.
“This operation is far from over. We have successfully uprooted several cells and cleared key escape routes. Our men remain resolute in ensuring these criminals are permanently flushed out and peace is restored,” he assured.
The Mahmuda group, which surfaced in April 2025, gained infamy after launching a brutal attack on Duruma village (Karonji) in Baruten LGA. The terrorists, arriving on motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately, torching a vigilante vehicle and several motorcycles before melting back into the forest.
Security reports indicate that the group has entrenched itself in multiple communities, including Kemanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu in Kaiama LGA, and Yashikira District villages in Baruten LGA of Kwara State. Their expansion has also seen them take control of Babana and Wawa Districts in Niger State’s Borgu LGA, creating widespread fear and displacement.
Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements. Military authorities say civilian collaboration is vital to consolidating the gains of the operation and preventing the terrorists from regrouping.
As Operation Park Strike IV intensifies, the Nigerian Army’s renewed onslaught signals a turning point in the battle against rural insurgency in the Kainji axis—a battle that now appears to be tilting in favour of national security forces.
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