Niger State government confirms arrest of Mahmuda terrorists leader Abubakar

The Niger State government has confirmed the arrest of Abubakar Abba, the leader of Mahmuda, one of the most feared terror groups in Nigeria.

Abba was arrested in Wawa, Borgu local government area of Niger State.

The Niger State government announced the arrest in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Bago, Bologi Ibrahim, adding that the suspect had been taken to Abuja for further investigation.

Governor Bago lauded the operation as a strong demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.

“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS,” the governor was quoted as saying.

According to him, “He was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS. This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news.

“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, Mahmuda, believed to be an off-shoot of Boko Haram with ties to Islamic State.

It migrated to Niger State over five years ago after dislodging guards at the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), an area with a land mass of more than 5,300 square kilometres, more than the size of Anambra State.

Lately, Mahmuda terrorists have been kidnapping and killing villagers and sacking entire communities in Kwara and Niger states. The reportedly captured leader would often send voice notes in Hausa to communities, demanding huge levies in exchange for protection.

Independent security sources disclosed that the 33-year-old husband of two wives is Hausa, from Daura, Katsina State, and used to sell audio and video tapes of notable Islamic preachers, including Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf.

It is said that Mahmuda first joined Boko Haram but later switched allegiance to Ansaru before forming Mahmuda.