A total of twelve (12) suspects have been arrested by the Nigerian Army in connection with acts of terrorism carried out the Mahmuda, a new terrorist group in the northern part of Kwara State.
The Mahmuda terrorists reportedly occupied the Kanji Lake National Park from where they launched terror attack on the people of Baruten and Kaiama local government areas of Kwara and Borgu local government area of Niger State.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu who recently visited the camps in Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of Kwara State, disclosed this on Saturday when he visited the troubled areas.
Major General Onubogu was at the areas to have firsthand information about how the officers and men were faring and as well get updates on the operation.
Onubogu said the arrested 12 suspects were picked up by the military at various locations during raids at Kanji Lake National Park and the border communities.
Two of those arrested were said to be confirmed members of the terrorist group, while others were said to be accomplices in the criminal act.
“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 added.
The GOC disclosed to journalists that the men and officers deployed for the operation were not resting on their oars to restore sanity at the park and raise the hope of the people around the area.
He said, through the raid operation, the troops have successfully combed a distance of at least 90 kilometres from Kemanji into its base in Kanji Forest.
The GOC who said the mission was already being accomplished, added that “both the men and officers have succeeded in dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements.”
After interacting with the troops, Gen. Onubogu paid a courtesy visit on the Emir of Kaiama, Alh Muazu Sheu Omar and the head of Kemanji community, Aliyu Siki-Muhammed where he raised the hope of the locals, boosted their morale and restored their confidence.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede had given the troops one month matching order to flush out the bandits from the national park.