At least 12 suspected members of the notorious Mahmuda group, known for terrorising border communities around the Kanji Lake National Park, have been arrested by the Nigerian Army.
The arrests followed a series of coordinated military raids under a counter-insurgency operation code-named “Park Strike Four,” launched to flush out criminal elements hiding in the forest reserve that spans Kwara and Niger States.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, disclosed the development during his visit to troops stationed in Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of Kwara State on Saturday.
According to him, the suspects were picked up at different points in and around the park.
“Two of them were confirmed members of the armed bandit group, while others are suspected accomplices in the criminal act,” he said.
General Onubogu explained that the operation, which has already covered a distance of about 90 kilometres from Kemanji into the forest, is yielding results.
“The counter-insurgency operation code named ‘Park Strike Four’ is meant to among other things flush out the bandits and clear the Kanji Lake National Park of all criminal tendencies,” he noted.
He added that the troops have successfully dislodged the bandits and regained control of the area.
“Both the men and officers have succeeded in dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements,” the GOC affirmed.
During the visit, General Onubogu also met with the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the head of Kemanji community, Shao’ki Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, where he reassured locals of the military’s commitment to securing the region.
His visit reportedly lifted the spirits of the people who had long lived in fear.
The operation is part of the Nigerian Army’s broader response to a one-month ultimatum issued by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, directing troops to clear the park and restore peace to affected communities.
Troops remain stationed across key areas in Kwara and Niger States, with military presence expected to increase in the coming weeks.
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