Amid growing concerns over security in Kwara State, reliable security sources have dismissed claims that a new terrorist group has emerged in the area.
Contrary to earlier media reports, authorities have confirmed that the figure known as “Mahmouda” is not the leader of a new extremist sect, but rather a long-established Boko Haram commander extending the group’s operations into new territories.
Who is Mahmouda?
According to intelligence briefings obtained by security officials, Mahmouda has been an active militant within the Boko Haram insurgency for several years. His militant activities were initially concentrated in Borno State, the epicenter of Boko Haram’s violent campaign. From there, he reportedly moved to Kaduna State, where he teamed up with another well-known terror figure, Sadiku.
Subsequent movements saw Mahmouda relocate to Niger State, particularly in the Shiroro and Rafi axis. There, he became affiliated with surviving cells of the now-weakened extremist group Darul Salam. In these communities, Mahmouda was reported to have radicalized local youths and imposed extremist codes of conduct, especially targeting Fulani herdsmen who resisted his rule.
Incursion into Kwara State
Recent intelligence suggests that Mahmouda and some of his fighters have now migrated into forested regions bordering Kwara State, forming alliances with existing bandit groups active in the North West. These collaborations, while concerning, do not indicate the formation of a distinct terrorist faction. Rather, they point to Boko Haram’s evolving strategy—spreading its influence by merging with local armed gangs.
“This is not the rise of a new terror group,” a senior intelligence officer emphasized. “It’s an expansion of Boko Haram’s existing operations, achieved through tactical partnerships with criminal elements already active in the area.”
Authorities Under Scrutiny
The clarification comes in the wake of denials by the Nigerian Police Force, who had previously labeled such reports as “alarmist” when they were first raised by intelligence analyst Zagazola Makama. However, following a series of recent attacks and increasing reports of extremist presence, security officials are now facing renewed scrutiny.
A senior security source, speaking under anonymity, said, “What will the police say now that the very thing they dismissed is beginning to unfold? The time for denial is over—this needs urgent action.”
Calls for Government Action
Security experts are now urging immediate intervention by the federal and state governments. Recommendations include:
- Enhanced intelligence operations to track militant movements
- Deployment of elite counter-terror units to vulnerable forest areas
- Community engagement to prevent local recruitment and radicalization
Analysts stress that failure to act promptly could allow extremist elements to entrench themselves in North Central Nigeria, turning Kwara State into a new frontline in Nigeria’s protracted war against insurgency.
“The signs are clear. If we don’t address this now, Kwara could suffer the same fate as parts of Borno, Niger, or Zamfara,” one counterterrorism expert warned.
