The Nigerian Army has arrested at least 12 members of a breakaway Boko Haram faction known as Mahmuda, who recently occupied parts of the Kanji Lake National Park.
The group had reportedly terrorised residents in surrounding communities, including Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas in Kwara State and Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State.
Major General Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division, disclosed the arrests on Saturday during an operational visit aimed at assessing the welfare of troops and the progress of ongoing operations. He confirmed that the suspects were apprehended at various locations as part of a military raid targeting the park and its surrounding areas.
“Two of those arrested were said to be confirmed members of the armed bandit group while others are believed to be accomplices in the criminal act,” Onubogu said. The ongoing operation, codenamed ‘Park Strike Four’, was launched to flush out bandits and clear the Kanji Lake National Park of terr0rist activities and other criminal elements.
According to the GOC, the troops involved in the operation have combed at least 90 kilometres from Kemanji into the Kanji forest and have made significant progress in dislodging the Mahmuda faction and their collaborators. “Both the men and officers have succeeded in dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements,” he stated.
During his visit, Gen. Onubogu also met with traditional leaders including the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the head of the Kemanji community, Shao’ki Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, where he assured residents of continued efforts to restore peace and security.
The deployment of troops to the troubled areas was made under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, in response to escalating terr0rist threats in the national park and nearby communities.
