New Terror Group Mahmuda Intensifies Attacks in Kwara, Niger States

Recent Attacks in Kwara State

The newly emerged terrorist group, Mahmuda, has escalated its violent activities across communities in Kwara and Niger States. Suspected members launched coordinated attacks in Ilesha Baruba and Kemaanji, located in Baruten and Kaiama local government areas of Kwara State on Sunday night.

This recent violence follows Friday’s reported killing of several vigilantes in the state. Witnesses described the attackers wearing military camouflage and arriving on motorcycles before opening fire in a market square at 9:30 pm. The attack claimed six lives, including four Fulani individuals, a vigilante, and a 19-year-old teenager struck by a stray bullet.

Pattern of Violence

A local resident revealed: “We suspect premeditated motives as they executed Fulani victims at close range with headshots. The vigilante posed a threat with his dane gun, while the teenager was an unfortunate casualty.” The location was described as a bustling commercial hub, with the attack potentially serving as retaliation against alleged community cooperation with security forces.

Government Response and Denials

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led a high-level security delegation to Kaiama, characterizing the incidents as reprisals against vigilantes by non-state actors. He assured residents of strengthened military collaboration to restore peace, particularly around the Kainji National Park area.

However, the Kwara State Police Command publicly disputed the existence of the Mahmuda group and denied reports of vigilante casualties. Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi stated: “Our comprehensive threat assessments reveal no evidence of insurgent activity or mass casualties as described.”

Emergence of Mahmuda Terror Group

Local accounts suggest Mahmuda has operated in border communities for over five years, initially presenting as a religious movement before evolving into an armed faction. The group reportedly recruits teenagers as fighters and informants, with operations spanning Kwara’s Yashikira district and Niger’s Borgu LGA.

Emir of Yashikira Alhaji Umaru Seriki expressed grave concerns: “Our people live in constant fear. These attacks extend beyond Kwara into Niger State’s Borgu Kingdom, where terrorists recently destroyed community-purchased security vehicles.”

Nigeria’s Terror Landscape

Nigeria currently contends with five major terrorist organizations:

Boko Haram

Originating in Niger State, this group gained global notoriety after kidnapping 200 Chibok schoolgirls in 2014. The insurgency has caused approximately 300,000 deaths and displaced 2.3 million people according to UN estimates.

Lakurawa

Emerging in Sokoto and Kebbi states, this group initially positioned itself as an anti-banditry force before becoming a proscribed terrorist organization with transnational connections.

ISWAP

The Islamic State’s West Africa Province represents a Boko Haram splinter faction, recently demonstrating advanced capabilities including weaponized drone attacks on military bases.

Ansaru

This al-Qaeda-aligned group operates primarily in northwestern and north-central regions, known for high-profile kidnappings including the 2012 Abuja prison break.

Mahmuda

Reportedly migrating from Niger State’s Mokwa region, this group has occupied Kainji Lake National Park for years. Some analysts suggest connections to Boko Haram’s “moderate” factions and groups in Benin/Niger Republic.

For more details, read the original report.