The Nigerian Army has arrested twelve suspected terrorists linked to a breakaway faction of Boko Haram known as ‘Mahmuda’, following a major raid in Kanji Lake National Park, Kwara State.
The operation, codenamed ‘Park Strike Four’, targeted insurgents who had been terrorizing border communities in Baruten and Kaiama LGAs (Kwara) and Borgu LGA (Niger State). According to Major General Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, the suspects were apprehended at different locations during the military sweep.
"Two of those arrested are confirmed members of the armed group, while others are accomplices," Onubogu stated during his visit to troops in Kaiama. He confirmed that soldiers had cleared 90km of forest, dislodging bandits and restoring security in the area.
The operation followed a one-month ultimatum from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, to flush out terrorists hiding in the park. The GOC also met with the Emir of Kaiama, Muazu Sheu Omar, and Shao’ki of Kemanji, Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, assuring them of sustained military presence.
This crackdown comes after reports that the ‘Mahmuda’ faction had been extorting, maiming, and exploiting villagers near the park. The Army vows to continue operations until all criminal elements are completely eliminated.
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