Kwara Killings Continue After Terror Leader’s Arrest, Residents Lament

Residents and security experts claim that the infamous Mahmuda terror gang is still active and deadly, particularly in Kwara State’s Kaiama–Baruten axis, despite the group leader’s well-publicized arrest last year.

The recent slaughter in the Woro hamlet, which claimed over 100 lives, has brought attention to the ongoing security risks in the area once more. Many are blaming the Mahmuda group, an ISWAP-affiliated organization allegedly active in the vicinity of Kainji National Park.

Even though Kaiama town now has military patrols, a local resident who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity claimed that these patrols hardly ever go far into the forests where terrorists operate.

“The news of their arrest has not changed much here,” he stated. Although there is some reprieve in Kaiama town due to the soldiers’ presence on patrol, you are not allowed to farm or do anything else in the bush.

The terrorists are forced to reassemble inside the forest as the soldiers move about and head back to town. Because of this, they continue to launch isolated strikes and vanish.

Terrorists Are Now Using More Violence: Village Head and Emir
Attacks have gotten increasingly violent after the Mahmuda group was suppressed, according to Alhaji Muazu Omar, the Emir of Kaiama.

He claimed that the Mahmuda leaders and their boys had turned violent after their recent incarceration.

Hussein Mohammed, the village chief, also cautioned that the commanders who were jailed had already trained replacements, many of whom are currently carrying out lethal operations throughout border towns.

“The leaders who were arrested have trained over 300 men who have already taken over,” he stated. Although they can’t be everywhere, the security personnel are making an effort. The circumstances have gotten worse.

Security expert and former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Abdulsalam Bolakale Suleiman, cautioned that the problem would not be resolved by just apprehending terror leaders.

“They should go further to dismantle the groups completely,” he stated, maintaining that the major causes are still poverty, ineffective government, and undefended borders.

Insecurity flourishes when people lack access to markets, food, and healthcare, he continued. If human security is not addressed by the government, the issue will continue.

He bemoaned the demise of intelligence networks and claimed that the lack of support for informants has hampered community-based information sharing.

Suleiman said, “We had an Information Fund (IF) back then. We gave informants financial support, aided in their children’s school admissions, and even interacted with them. Motivation is minimal or nonexistent today.

One and a half million people applied countrywide for the most recent Immigration and Correctional Service recruiting. However, even 500,000 personnel are unable to adequately cover Kwara’s two local governments.

Suleiman demanded that the security framework in Nigeria be completely redesigned.

“We won’t go very far with the current template. “We need the government to wake up,” he continued.

“Those riding hundreds of motorcycles into communities are not ghosts,” continued Suleiman. As they move through communities, people are observing.

Last year, the leader of Mahmuda was arrested by DSS.
In Wawa town, Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, the DSS detained Abubakar Abba, a suspected Mahmuda group commander, last year.

Mohammed Umaru Bago, the governor of Niger State, praised the arrest as a “major victory” in the struggle against insecurity.

The governor stated that the suspect was taken to Abuja for further examination after the DSS captured Abba alive in an intelligence-led operation without any firing.

Recent attacks in Kwara indicate that the Mahmuda group’s remnants are still competent and well-organized, despite the operation’s celebration at the time.