By Safiyat Muhammed
North Central Nigeria is facing a dangerous security crisis as a newly emerged Islamist militant group, known as the Mahmuda Group, has taken over vast territories in the Kainji Lake National Park, spanning parts of Kwara State and Niger State. This radical group is perpetrating coordinated acts of terrorism, including mass killings, kidnapping for ransom, illegal logging, and unregulated mining, effectively transforming a protected ecological zone into a hub of criminal operations.
Over 15 Killed in Coordinated Attack on Kemanji Community
The most recent attack, which occurred in Kemanji village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, resulted in the deaths of over 15 members of a local vigilante group and innocent residents. The terrorists, armed with sophisticated weapons, reportedly ambushed the community and left a trail of devastation.
Communities Under Siege Across Kwara and Niger States
The militant group now controls multiple villages in Kaiama LGA (Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, Nanu) and Baruten LGA (Yashikira District) in Kwara State. They have also overrun communities in Babana and Wawa Districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State.
Residents report that the Mahmuda Group, which claims to be promoting a radical interpretation of Sunni Islam, is enforcing a parallel government, collecting illegal taxes from farmers and herders, and terrorizing residents with threats, abductions, and arbitrary executions.
Illegal Mining and Logging Driving Terrorism Financing
The group has capitalized on the unprotected status of the Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria’s premier wildlife reserve, to engage in illegal natural resource extraction. Sources confirm that militants have entered into unholy alliances with local loggers, allowing unrestricted deforestation, and are also involved in unlicensed mineral mining, using proceeds to fund their terrorist activities.
The park, once a key asset for eco-tourism and environmental sustainability, is now a war zone where terrorism, environmental degradation, and human rights abuses occur daily.
Religious Extremism Replaces Civil Governance
The insurgents have declared the area under a radical Islamic law, banning alcohol, smoking, and traditional spiritual practices. They hold public sermons to indoctrinate villagers, regulate land use, and dictate settlement of disputes.
Farmers are forced to pay unauthorized levies, herders must remit Zakah (Islamic tax), and some residents are compelled to work on militant-controlled farms under the guise of Sadaka (charity work).
Radicalization and Recruitment of Local Youth
Disturbingly, there are reports that some rural youth are being recruited into the group as informants or fighters. This growing trend of radicalization poses a long-term threat to national security and counter-terrorism efforts.
A recent audio message by the group’s leader identifies the sect as a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, with operational similarities to ISWAP (Islamic State in West Africa Province).
Loss of Government Control and International Security Implications
Residents lament that state and federal authorities have abandoned them. Many believe the group is receiving backing from foreign jihadist networks in Benin Republic or Niger Republic, based on reports of cross-border militant activity.
This insurgency highlights Nigeria’s vulnerability to transnational terrorism and the urgent need for military intervention, satellite surveillance, and international security collaboration to dismantle terror financing and reclaim the area.
Urgent Call to Action
Security experts and human rights advocates are calling for:
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Increased military deployment to Kainji Lake National Park
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Real-time intelligence gathering and drone surveillance
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Targeted counter-terrorism funding to address eco-terrorism
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Community policing and civil-military cooperation
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Environmental protection enforcement to prevent further illegal mining and logging
The Mahmuda Group’s expansion signals a dangerous escalation in Nigeria’s war against terrorism and underscores the pressing need for robust counter-insurgency strategies to protect lives, restore governance, and secure vital national assets.