Daily Justice

18 April 2025

A new terrorist organisation, known as the Mahmuda Group, has emerged in North-Central Nigeria, spreading fear and destruction across rural communities in Kwara and Niger States. The group, operating around the Kainji Lake National Park, has claimed responsibility for a brutal attack on Wednesday in Kemanji, Kaiama Local Government Area, where over 15 vigilantes and villagers were killed.

The affected areas include communities in Kaiama LGA (Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, Nanu) and Barutein LGA (villages in Yashikira District) in Kwara State, as well as Babana and Wawa Districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State. Sources report that the Mahmuda Group has taken control of significant territories, exploiting the unguarded Kainji Lake National Park to carry out attacks, kidnappings, and extortion.

“They call themselves the Mahmuda Group. Their leader, in a voice note, is threatening all the communities. They kill, kidnap victims, and demand ransom,” a local source revealed. The group, believed to have occupied the park for over five years, reportedly speaks Hausa and claims to be a moderate Islamist sect, possibly a splinter faction of Boko Haram. Their activities include imposing levies on farmers and herders, forcing residents to work on their farms, and regulating social activities such as banning alcohol and smoking.

The militants’ control over the 3,970.29 sq. km park has led to a dire situation for local communities, who live under constant threat. The group is also allegedly involved in illegal mining and has recruited locals as informants, further entrenching their influence. Unconfirmed reports suggest they target herbalists believed to be supporting vigilantes, while preaching Islamic ethics to manipulate community loyalty.

The Mahmuda Group’s origins remain unclear, with some speculating they migrated from Benin or Niger Republic, or relocated from Mokwa LGA in Niger State after being displaced by authorities. Their sophisticated weaponry and unchallenged presence in the park have raised questions about the government’s response to the crisis.

“The surge of insecurity in Nigeria is a grave concern. New militant groups continue to emerge and occupy ungoverned spaces,” another source lamented. The lack of trust in security forces has forced vigilantes to collaborate with the Mahmuda Group to secure the release of kidnapped victims, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

As the Mahmuda Group tightens its grip on the region, the plight of the Borgu people and other affected communities remains largely unreported. The Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to address this growing threat and restore security to the Kainji Lake National Park and its surrounding areas.