New terrorist group, Mahmuda kill seven in Kwara attacks

The newly formed terrorist group operating as Mahmuda on Sunday launched a deadly attacks in Ilesha Baruba (Baruten Local Government Area) and Kemanji (Kaiama Local Government Area) of Kwara State, killing seven people including a vigilante.

The attacks have been confirmed by the Kwara State Police Command through a statement made available to journalists by the Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Monday.

The Police PRO disclosed that an informant linking to the deadly group has been tracked and arrested, even as the Police are trailing the fleeing terrorists.

The Police further disclosed that the two incidents are being investigated with the aim to apprehend the perpetrators.

The statement party read: “At about 21:30 hours, suspected armed men, numbering 10, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot.

“As a result, six persons—identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others—lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.

“The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment.”

The police assured that a full investigation has been launched and that comprehensive security measures are in place to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

In a related development earlier the same day, at about 11:30 hours, a vigilante group on routine forest patrol encountered suspected bandits near the Kainji National Park in Kemanji, which three of the terrorists were reportedly wounded during the gunfire with vigilantes.

A vigilante member identified as Yusuf Samba lost his life on the line of duty.

“Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation,” the police statement added.

The command has assured residents of both communities that a comprehensive security architecture has been activated, including tactical deployments, enhanced surveillance, and intelligence-led operations aimed at restoring peace.

“Citizens are urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Let it be made categorically clear that anyone aiding or abetting crime in any part of the state will face the full weight of the law.”

Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accompanied by top military and intelligence officers, conducted a joint security assessment in Kaiama Local Government Area on Monday.

“In a bid to reinforce inter-agency synergy and enhance situational awareness across border communities, on Monday, April 21, 2025, a high-powered joint security delegation led by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, conducted an operational assessment tour to Kaiama Local Government Area.

“Accompanying the Governor is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General O.G. Onubugu; the Brigade Commander, Sobi Cantonment, Brigadier General E.B. Barkins; the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, psc mnips; the Director of the Department of State Services, Mr. Michael Aganwu; and Alh. Aliyu Muyideen, the Senior Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor.

“The team held a strategic security interface with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh. Muazu Shehu Omar (Bagidi ki Yaru IV), and other critical stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata; the LGA Chairman of Kaiama, Alh. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi; the LGA Chairman of Baruten, Alh. Issa Jubril; State Assembly members, and District Heads.

“Deliberations focused on the security architecture within Kemanji, Karoji, and the Kainji National Park axis. The visit was concluded with an inspection of the local oil mill facility before the delegation returned safely to Ilorin. The area remains calm, with a robust security presence maintained”, the statement added.