New Terror Group Mahmuda Kills Over 15 in North-Central Nigeria

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the activities of a newly emerged terror group, known as the Mahmuda Group, responsible for a wave of mass kidnappings in parts of Niger and Kwara states, FIJ reports.

Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson in Niger, said on Friday that the group, led by a man known as Mallam Mahmuda, has been attacking communities in Borgu Local Government Area, particularly around Babana, Dekara, and Luma.

“Recently, reports indicated that a suspected group of bandits headed by one Mall. Mahmuda has been perpetrating kidnapping escapades around Babana, Dekara and Luma areas of Borgu LGA,” Abiodun told the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).

He said the police and the Nigerian military have launched operations in and around the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), where the group is believed to be hiding.

“The Police Command is working in collaboration with the military to dislodge this group. A series of clearance operations have been carried out within the National Park; the operation is a continuous exercise and shall be sustained to ensure that the area is cleared of banditry,” Abiodun said.

In Kwara State, the group’s activities have raised concern, especially in border communities. On Wednesday, armed fighters believed to be from the Mahmuda Group ambushed a vigilante team in Kemanji, Kaiama Local Government Area, killing 15 people, including local residents.

Eyewitnesses and local sources say the group has also been seen in communities like Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku and Nanu in Kaiama LGA and Yashikira District in Baruten LGA.

Also known as the “Mallam Group,” the faction reportedly moved to KLNP after being pushed out of Mokwa LGA in Niger and later from Kaiama in Kwara. Reports say they are armed, mobile, and operate in a coordinated manner.

Residents believe the group could be a splinter faction of Boko Haram, claiming to be moderate Islamists but allegedly connected to militant networks in Niger and Mali. They preach in Hausa and other local dialects, while recruiting local informants.

Despite these reports, the Kwara State police say they have not confirmed the group’s presence. When contacted, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, spokesperson for the Kwara Police Command, said she had not received any official reports.

“I am not aware of that claim or such a report. But I will find out. What you can do is send me details of what you have and make calls to the DPOs of stations around the area, if they have reports of it,” she told FIJ.

The Mahmuda Group adds to the list of new armed factions operating in Nigeria. In November, the Nigerian Army confirmed the rise of another group, the Lakurawas, operating from Niger Republic and entering border regions.

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