Nigerian Army captures 12 suspected Boko Haram militants in Kainji Lake national park operations

The Nigerian Army has arrested 12 suspected members of Mahmuda, a splinter faction of the terrorist group Boko Haram, during a strategic operation targeting insurgent hideouts in Kainji Lake National Park.

According to Major General Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, the suspects were believed to have been behind recent waves of violence, extortion, and intimidation affecting communities in Baruten and Kaiama LGAs of Kwara State and Borgu in Niger State.

“Of the 12 suspects arrested, two are confirmed members of the armed terrorist group, while the remaining individuals are believed to be accomplices,” Onubogu said.

Codenamed Park Strike IV, the military operation is focused on eradicating terrorist cells and criminal activity from the expansive national park and its surroundings.

Troops have reportedly covered over 90 kilometres from Kemanji deep into the park, where a secure military presence has now been established.

“The operation is achieving its objectives,” the GOC declared, adding that the deployment has led to the displacement of insurgents and a gradual return of calm to the affected areas.

During the visit, Maj. Gen. Onubogu also paid courtesy calls to traditional rulers, including the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the Head of the Kemanji Community, Shao’ki Aliyu Siki-Muhammed.

He reiterated the army’s dedication to lasting peace, boosting community morale, and restoring trust in the region.

This development follows an earlier order by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who gave troops a one-month deadline to clear the forest of insurgents and criminal threats.

In response to that directive, the 2 Division has expanded deployment across the Kainji forest and strategic border zones in both Kwara and Niger States to enforce the mission.