The Nigerian Army has arrested at least 12 individuals in connection with terrorist activities carried out by a breakaway faction of the Boko Haram insurgents, known as the Mahmuda group, which reportedly occupied the Kanji Lake National Park.
The group had previously been accused of maiming, exploiting, and terrorising residents of neighbouring border communities within the Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, as well as Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State.
Major General Obinna Onubogu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, disclosed the arrests during a recent visit to military camps in Kaiama and Baruten LGAs, aimed at assessing the wellbeing of officers and obtaining updates on the ongoing operation.
According to General Onubogu, the 12 suspects were apprehended by the military during a series of raids on Kanji Lake National Park and its surrounding border communities.
Among those arrested, two individuals were confirmed members of the armed terrorist group, while the others were said to be collaborators in their criminal undertakings.
“The counterinsurgency operation, code-named ‘Park Strike Four’, is designed to flush out the bandits and rid the Kanji Lake National Park of all criminal elements,” he stated.
General Onubogu added that the troops were working tirelessly to restore order in the area and reassure local residents.
“So far, the troops have combed at least 90 kilometres, starting from Kemanji and advancing deep into the Kanji forest, where they have now established a firm operational base,” he said.
During his visit, the GOC confirmed that the operation was achieving its objectives, with troops successfully dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements from their hideouts.
He also paid courtesy visits to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the Head of Kemanji Community, Shao’ki Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, where he sought to boost morale, reassure the population, and strengthen community cooperation.
It is worth recalling that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, had issued a one-month marching order to troops to clear the area of all terrorist elements.
In line with the COAS directive, 2 Division has deployed personnel to intensify raids in the Kanji Lake Forest and the border communities of Kwara and Niger states to apprehend those bearing arms against innocent Nigerians.