The Nigerian Army has arrested 12 individuals suspected of involvement with Mahmuda, a splinter group of Boko Haram insurgents, linked to acts of terrorism in the Kainji Lake National Park.

The group had reportedly occupied the park and terrorised residents in neighbouring border communities across Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara State, as well as Borgu LGA in Niger State. Allegations include maiming, exploitation, and intimidation of civilians.

Major General Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, disclosed the arrests during a visit to military camps in Kaiama and Baruten LGAs on Saturday. His inspection aimed to assess troop welfare and operational updates in the region.

According to the GOC, the 12 suspects arrested were picked up by the military at various locations in its raid of the Kanji Lake National Park and the border communities.

Two of those arrested were said to be confirmed members of the armed bandit group, while others were said to be accomplices in the criminal act.

"The counterinsurgency operation code-named 'Park Strike Four' is meant to, among other things, flush out the bandits and clear the Kanji Lake National Park of all criminal tendencies," he added.

The GOC told journalists that the men and officers deployed for the operation were not resting on their laurels to restore sanity at the park and raise the hope of the people around the area.

He said, "Through the raid operation, the troops have successfully combed a distance of at least 90 kilometers from Kemanji into the Kanji forest where its firm base is currently situated."

During his trip, the GOC, who said the mission was already being accomplished, added that "both the men and officers have succeeded in dislodging the bandits and other criminal elements".

After interacting with the troops, Gen Onubogu also visited the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the Head of Kemanji Community known as Shao'ki, Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, where he raised the hope of the locals, boosted their morale, and restored their confidence.

It would be recalled that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, had given the troops a month's marching order to flush out the bandits.

The 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, following the orders of the COAS, has since deployed troops to comb the border communities in Kwara and Niger states as well as the Kanji lake forest for the wanted elements taking arms against innocent citizens of Nigeria.