KEY POINTS
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Mahmuda, a new terror group, has emerged in North Central Nigeria, terrorising communities around the Kainji Lake National Park and killing over 15 vigilantes in recent attacks.
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The group, suspected to be a splinter faction of Boko Haram, is involved in kidnapping, extortion, and illegal activities like mining and logging, further tightening its grip on local populations.
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Residents are living under constant fear as the group regulates social and economic activities, and experts warn that the government must act swiftly to address the growing insurgency.
A new terror group known as Mahmuda has emerged in North Central Nigeria, spreading fear and violence across several communities around the Kainji Lake National Park, which spans parts of Kwara and Niger states.
The group has been terrorizing local residents, particularly in Kaiama and Barutein Local Government Areas in Kwara State, as well as Babana and Wawa Districts in Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State.
AAN TV reports that the militants have escalated their campaign by attacking local vigilante groups and civilians. On Wednesday, they launched a brutal assault on a vigilante group in Kemanji, killing over 15 members and several villagers.
The group’s leader has been actively threatening the surrounding communities, instilling fear through a combination of violence, kidnapping, and demanding ransoms for the release of captives.
“The group’s actions are devastating. They’ve been kidnapping people for ransom, murdering innocent villagers, and intimidating everyone they encounter,” a local community leader stated, describing the ongoing nightmare these communities are living through. “They have taken control of our towns, regulating activities and even forcing us to pay dues for the right to continue our daily lives.”
Mahmuda’s rise and activities: A Sect of Boko Haram?
Though the exact identity of the Mahmuda group remains unclear, sources suggest that they might be a faction of Boko Haram, having split from the Shekau-led extremist group. An audio recording, believed to have been released by the group’s leader, hints at connections to Boko Haram.
The Mahmuda faction is suspected to be carrying out illegal activities such as logging and mining within the region, further consolidating their control over the local economy.
“We’re forced to live under their rule. They control every aspect of life here—how we farm, how we trade, even the sale of alcohol,” another source reported from the region. The group’s reach has grown significantly, leaving many residents in a state of fear and uncertainty. They regulate social activities, settle disputes, and even impose fines, making it almost impossible for locals to live normal lives without their intervention.
The emergence of Mahmuda has deepened the security crisis in an already volatile region. Communities that once lived peacefully are now subject to constant threats, with no way of knowing when the next attack will occur. The group’s control over such a large swath of territory is troubling for both local authorities and residents. The Nigerian government has yet to issue a formal response, but experts warn that this new group could be an even more formidable threat than previous insurgent groups.
“The situation is dire. We are facing a new type of insurgency that is not just about violent attacks but also about controlling local economies and imposing an authoritarian rule,” a regional security expert said.
The emergence of Mahmuda adds to the growing list of extremist groups destabilizing Nigeria, with the government and local authorities struggling to regain control. In the face of these growing threats, residents and security forces alike are calling for increased action to combat terrorism and restore peace.
