The Nigerian Army have announced the arrest of 12 individuals linked to acts of terrorism allegedly carried out by a breakaway faction of the Boko Haram insurgents, known as ‘Mahmuda’, which reportedly occupied the Kainji Lake National Park in the northern part of Kwara State.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, disclosed this during a visit to military camps in Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of the state on Saturday. The visit was aimed to assess the welfare of the troops and receive operational updates.
According to the GOC, the 12 suspects were apprehended at various locations during military raids on Kainji Lake National Park and surrounding border communities.
Two of the suspects are confirmed members of the armed bandit group, while the others are believed to be accomplices, he said.
‘The counter-insurgency operation, codenamed Park Strike Four, is aimed at flushing out bandits and eliminating all criminal activities from the Kainji Lake National Park’, he added.
Speaking to journalists, Maj. Gen. Onubogu emphasized that troops deployed for the operation are working tirelessly to restore order in the park and instill confidence among residents in the area.
He stated, ‘Through the raid operation, the troops have successfully combed a distance of at least 90 kilometres from Kemanji into the Kainji forest, where their firm base is currently located’.
The GOC expressed satisfaction with the progress of the mission, noting that both officers and men have succeeded in dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements.
As part of his visit, General Onubogu also met with the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the head of the Kemanji community, Shao’ki Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, to reassure local leaders and boost the morale of residents.
Following directives from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army has deployed troops to comb border communities.
in Kwara and Niger States, including the Kainji Lake Forest, to flush out armed groups threatening the peace and safety of civilians.
Prior to this operation, the insurgent group had reportedly terrorized residents of border communities in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara, as well as the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The recent surge in their violent activities prompted Lt. Gen. Oluyede to visit the affected communities in Kwara State last month, where he issued a directive for troops to eliminate the threat within one month.
