New Terrorist Group ‘Mahmuda’ Occupying Parts of Kwara, Niger – Emir Raises Alarm

The Emir of Yashikira, Umoru Seriki, from Baruten Local Government Area in Kwara State, has expressed deep concern over continued terrorist attacks allegedly carried out by a group known as ‘Mahmuda’ in parts of Kwara North and Niger State.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Sunday, the Emir lamented the lack of government response to the crisis. He stated, “We are completely demoralized. Authorities continue to deny the presence of terrorists in our area, and this has left us feeling neglected and abandoned.”

According to the traditional ruler, the violent attacks are affecting communities in Baruten and Kaiama LGAs of Kwara as well as the Borgu area of Niger State. He confirmed that a security vehicle provided by locals for vigilante operations was destroyed in a recent attack, although the vigilantes narrowly escaped with minor injuries.

“While the death toll isn’t as high as 15, as some have reported, we did suffer losses—and so did the attackers,” he noted. He added that what’s being reported on social media aligns with the reality on ground, urging prayers and divine intervention for the safety of the affected communities.

However, the Kwara State Police Command has dismissed reports of the existence of the Mahmuda terrorist group and the alleged killing of 15 vigilantes. In a statement issued in Ilorin on Saturday, police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said that thorough intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in the areas mentioned revealed no signs of insurgent activities or terrorist cells.

The statement described the viral reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic. It emphasized that no major security breaches have been reported by community leaders or security personnel in the affected areas.

The police assured that security measures remain intact under a coordinated multi-agency framework, and urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information. Citizens were encouraged to report suspicious activities to the authorities for swift action.