Eric Patrick
Mahmuda members have launched a fresh attack on Duruma village (Karonji) in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. The incident occurred in the late hours of Friday.
It was gathered that the terrorists arrived at the village on motorcycles, and started shooting indiscriminately. Vehicles and other properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
At the time of this report, First News correspondent was unable to confirm whether any fatalities had been recorded.
However, contrary to recent reports circulating on social media and traditional media suggesting the emergence of this new terrorist organisation in Kwara State, security sources have clarified that no new group has been formed.
First News correspondent gathered that the name Mahmouda is not a name of a new terrorist group, but rather a known Boko Haram commander.
Mahmouda is a veteran Boko Haram fighter who initially operated in Borno State before relocating to Kaduna, where he briefly collaborated with the notorious terror kingpin, Sadiku.
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He later moved into the Shiroro and Rafi axis of Niger State, where he aligned with the remnants of Darul Salam, recruiting dozens of youths and enforcing extremist laws particularly on Fulani herdsmen.
Security intelligence also confirm that Mahmouda has since moved some of his fighters further South-West into the forests bordering Kwara State, where he has established ties with local bandit groups.
These elements are not a new organization but are extensions of Boko Haram collaborating with bandits already operating in the North West.
Furthermore, with recent attacks and the presence of insurgent elements now being confirmed in parts of Kwara, observers are questioning the responsiveness and preparedness of authorities.
Security agencies have been advised to increase intelligence operations, deploy special forces, and establish a proactive counter insurgency presence in border forests between Niger and Kwara states to neutralise the threat before it escalates.
