Residents panic as another Terror group allegedly resurfaces: Police debunk rumours assures populace

Residents panic as another Terror group allegedly resurfaces: Police debunk rumours assures populace

Residents of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State are gripped by fear following the resurgence of a terrorist group known as “Mahmuda,” which has reportedly resumed violent operations in the region.

The group has been linked to a wave of kidnappings and killings, with sources confirming that its activities are not limited to Kaiama alone.

Other affected communities include Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu. There are also growing concerns that the group has extended its reach into Yashikira District in Baruten LGA and parts of Borgu LGA in neighboring Niger State.

A local resident, who spoke to Vanguard under the condition of anonymity, revealed that the group operates from a dense forest in the area.

From there, they reportedly launch motorcycle raids into towns, targeting residents for abductions and executions.

“They’ve killed and kidnapped many people,” he confirmed grimly.

In response to the threat, the Kwara State government reportedly deployed troops from the Sobi Barracks in Ilorin last year. The military operation, which lasted about four weeks, was aimed at dismantling the group’s forest base. After deeming the mission successful, the troops withdrew.

However, recent developments suggest the terrorists have regrouped. A fresh attack on a vigilante unit in Kemanji reportedly left over 15 people dead. Eyewitnesses described the incident as a brutal escalation, marked by renewed killings, abductions, and ransom demands.

The situation remains tense as residents live in constant fear, with calls growing louder for urgent and sustained security intervention.

But Kwara State Police Command, in a swift response this weekend, stated that it “categorically refutes the recent publication alleging the emergence of a terror group named Mahmuda within Kaiama and Baruten Local Government areas of Kwara State”.

According to the statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, “Our comprehensive and continuous threat assessments, intelligence surveillance, and tactical reconnaissance operations in these areas have yielded no evidence of insurgent activity, coordinated terrorist formations, or mass casualty incidents as described.

“The claim of 15 vigilantes being killed is entirely false and devoid of any factual basis.”
The statement assured the public “that all security formations within Kwara State remain proactive and are strategically deployed under a multi-agency operational framework involving the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with other sister security agencies.

“No breach of internal security has been reported or observed in the aforementioned communities.
“Furthermore, our community engagement structures, including Vigilante Commanders and District Heads, have not relayed any such incidents, which confirms this publication to be misleading and inciting.
“While we recognise the volatile nature of cross-border movements around the Kainji Lake National Park, the Kwara State Police Command has maintained effective situational control across all border communities.

“We urge members of the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of generating unnecessary panic.
“The Kwara Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adekimi Ojo, remains committed to safeguarding lives and properties, and encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity through official channels for prompt response.”