The Nigerian Army has arrested 12 people suspected to be part of a terrorist group linked to Boko Haram.
The suspects were caught during a military operation inside the Kainji Lake National Park and nearby border communities in Kwara and Niger states.
This information was shared by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, during his visit to military camps in Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of Kwara State on Saturday.
He said, “The counterinsurgency operation, code-named ‘Park Strike Four’, is meant to, among other things, flush out the bandits and clear the Kainji Lake National Park of all criminal tendencies.”
Two of the arrested suspects were confirmed members of the armed group, while the others were believed to be helping the group in different ways.
General Onubogu explained that the group, known as Mahmuda, had been causing problems in the area. They had reportedly attacked and oppressed residents in Baruten and Kaiama LGAs in Kwara, and Borgu LGA in Niger State.
He told journalists that the operation had covered at least 90 kilometres of forest from Kemanji to the heart of the park, where the terrorists had a base. He also said the troops had successfully chased out the criminals from their hideouts.
“Through the raid operation, the troops have successfully combed a distance of at least 90 kilometers from Kemanji into the Kainji forest where its firm base is currently situated,” he said.
The GOC praised the efforts of the soldiers and encouraged them to keep up their good work. He said the operation was already showing results and that peace would soon return to the area.
He later visited the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the head of Kemanji community, Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, also known as Shao’ki. He told them the army was committed to protecting their communities and bringing safety back to the region.
It will be recalled that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, had earlier given the troops one month to remove all bandits and terrorists hiding in the forest. Following that order, the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army deployed more soldiers to the affected areas.
The army has promised to continue searching every part of the forest and nearby towns until all criminals are found and peace is fully restored.
