The Nigerian Army on Sunday disclosed that it had arrested 12 suspected terrorists linked to a breakaway faction of Boko Haram known as the Mahmuda Group, reportedly occupied the Kainji Lake National Park.
The Group is alleged to have previously terrorised, exploited, and maimed residents of border communities in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, and Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Obinna Onubogu, Major General and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division, stated this during a recent visit to Military camps in Kaiama and Baruten.
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He told journalists that his visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of troops and getting firsthand update on ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
According to the GOC, the arrests were made at various locations during Military raids on the Kainji Lake National Park and adjoining border areas.
He confirmed that two of those apprehended are verified members of the armed group, while the others are suspected accomplices.
“The counter-insurgency operation, code-named Operation Park Strike Four, aims to flush out bandits and rid the Kainji Lake National Park of all criminal elements,” he said.
Onubogu added that troops had combed a stretch of at least 90 kilometers from Kemanji into the Kainji forest, where the Army had established a firm operational base.
He affirmed that the operation was achieving its objectives, noting that the troops had succeeded in dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements from the area.
During his visit, the GOC also met with the Emir of Kaiama, Muazu Sheu Omar, and the Head of the Kemanji community, known as Shao’ki, Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, even as he reassured the communities of the Army’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.
It will be recalled that Olufemi Oluyede, Lieutenant General and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), had given the troops a one-month deadline to eliminate all bandit threats in the area.
In line with this directive, the 2 Division has deployed troops to strategic locations across Kwara and Niger States, including the Kainji Lake forest, to root out insurgents and ensure the safety of civilians.
