Twelve individuals linked to a faction of Boko Haram known as ‘Mahmuda’ have been apprehended by the Nigerian Army during a sweeping operation to clear terrorists from the Kainji Lake National Park and surrounding areas.
The group, notorious for inflicting terror and hardship on residents of border communities in Kwara and Niger states, had turned the vast forest area into a base of operations.
Locals in Baruten and Kaiama LGAs in Kwara, as well as Borgu LGA in Niger, had suffered years of intimidation, exploitation, and violence.
Major General Obinna Onubogu, who leads the Army’s 2 Division, disclosed the arrests on Saturday, May 10, while visiting soldiers stationed in Kaiama and Baruten.
The visit aimed to assess progress and offer support to troops involved in the ongoing military mission.
According to Onubogu, “The twelve suspects arrested were picked up by the military at various locations in its raid of the Kanji Lake National Park and the border communities.”
He further explained, “Two of those arrested were said to be confirmed members of the arm bandit group while others are to be accomplices in the criminal act.”
Codenamed Operation Park Strike Four, the military campaign is focused on rooting out insurgents and reclaiming the forest from criminal elements.
The GOC said troops have combed more than 90 kilometres of difficult terrain, advancing from Kemanji deep into the forest where they’ve now established a solid operational base.
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“Through the raid operation, the troops have successfully combed a distance of at least 90 kilometres from Kemanji into the Kanji Forest where its firm base is currently situated,” he stated.
He also confirmed that the operation has already displaced many of the terrorists, marking a significant step in restoring peace to the region.
“Both the men and officers have succeeded in dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements,” Onubogu added.
During his visit, the GOC also paid courtesy calls to the Emir of Kaiama, Muazu Sheu Omar, and the community head of Kemanji, Shao’ki Aliyu Siki-Muhammed.
He reassured residents of the military’s dedication to protecting lives and property, while also commending them for their resilience.
This offensive follows a direct order from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who gave a one-month ultimatum for troops to eliminate terrorist elements hiding in the Kainji Lake area.
Since the directive was issued, soldiers from the 2 Division have been deployed across affected border communities to dismantle terrorist networks and ensure safety for civilians.
The Army says it remains committed to maintaining pressure on the insurgents until normalcy returns.