The Nigerian Army has arrested 12 suspected members of a Boko Haram breakaway group known as Mahmuda, during ongoing security operations in Kwara and Niger States.
The suspects were captured following several raids in and around the Kainji Lake National Park, where the group was reportedly hiding and attacking nearby communities in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara and Borgu in Niger State.
Major General Obinna Onubogu, Commander of the Army’s 2 Division, confirmed the arrests during a visit to troops on Saturday. He explained that two of the suspects were identified as active members of the terror group, while the rest were believed to be collaborators.
The military operation, codenamed Park Strike IV, is aimed at clearing insurgents and restoring peace in the area. General Onubogu said troops had covered over 90 kilometres of terrain, establishing control within the park and surrounding regions.
He also met with local leaders, including the Emir of Kaiama and the head of Kemanji community, to reassure them of the army’s commitment to long-term security.
The operation follows an earlier one-month deadline issued by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, to eliminate criminal threats in the region. Troops remain deployed across the Kainji forest and border areas to continue the mission.