A new terror group known as Mahmuda has seized control of communities in North Central Nigeria, especially near the Kainji Lake National Park.
Sources confirmed that the Mahmuda group operates freely in rural communities in Kwara and Niger states. Affected areas include Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu in Kaiama LGA, and villages in Yashikira District of Baruten LGA. Parts of Babana and Wawa in Borgu LGA of Niger State are also under attack.
The group recently launched a brutal assault on a vigilante team in Kemanji, killing over 15 local defenders and villagers.
“They have taken over our lives. They kidnap, kill, and make us pay to farm or graze,” a resident said.
The Mahmuda terror group reportedly emerged after being evicted from Mokwa in Niger State. They first resettled in Kaiama, then moved to forests in Kaduna before resurfacing in Kainji Park. Locals say they have now ruled these territories for over five years.
“They chased out forest guards and took full control of the park,” one local source reported.
Residents also allege that herders must pay grazing dues to Mahmuda fighters. Farmers are charged levies, and youths are forced into farm labour for the group. Disputes are settled by the militants, not by local leaders.
“The militants regulate everything—from farming to the sale of alcohol. They even run religious preachings,” another resident said.
Reports also indicate that the group collects ransom from kidnappings, conducts illegal logging, and might be involved in illegal mining within the park.
The Mahmuda terror network claims to be a breakaway Islamist sect from Boko Haram. Their fighters mainly speak Hausa and operate with sophisticated weapons.
Community members say security agencies have failed to act, leaving them to the mercy of Mahmuda’s rule.
