From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Twelve suspects linked to a breakaway Boko Haram faction, known as the Mahmuda group, have been arrested by the Nigerian Army in an ongoing operation to rid Kanji Lake National Park of criminal elements.
The group had reportedly been terrorising residents of border communities in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, as well as Borgu in Niger State. They were said to have taken over parts of the Kanji Lake National Park, turning it into a hideout for insurgents and criminal collaborators.
Major General Obinna Onubogu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, disclosed the development during a visit to troops stationed in the affected areas.
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He explained that the arrests were made during a military offensive tagged “Operation Park Strike Four,” which was launched to dismantle terrorist camps and restore peace in the region.
“Out of the twelve arrested, two have been confirmed as active members of the armed bandit group, while the rest are believed to be collaborators. Our troops have successfully combed over 90 kilometres from Kemanji deep into the Kanji forest, where we now have a firm base,” the GOC revealed.
He commended the troops for their resilience, stating that the mission is progressing well and that the army has made significant gains in clearing the park of insurgents. “We are determined to restore sanity to the area and give the people a sense of security they can rely on,” he said.
During his visit, General Onubogu also met with traditional leaders including the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the Head of Kemanji Community, Shao’ki Siki-Muhammed. He assured them of continued military support and urged them to remain cooperative with the ongoing operation.
The operation is part of a broader directive issued by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, who had earlier given a one-month ultimatum to clear out all armed elements threatening the safety of residents in the affected areas.
The Army has pledged to sustain the momentum until the region is completely secured from the grip of insurgents and criminal networks.
