The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Abubakar Abba, the alleged leader of the Mahmuda terror group, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
The arrest, carried out in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, followed weeks of surveillance and was achieved without a single gunshot.
Abba, whose group has been linked to violent attacks and kidnappings around Kainji National Park and parts of Kwara State, has been transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago hailed the operation as a landmark security success, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called “a clear demonstration of commitment to ending insecurity in the country.”
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Bologi, the governor said the capture was a testament to the efficiency and intelligence of the DSS.
“It takes a tremendous degree of competence to apprehend a high-profile terrorist like Abba alive. This is a huge victory for the people and government of Niger State,” he noted.
Governor Bago pledged continued cooperation with the federal government and security agencies, stressing that the fight against terrorism requires sustained intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
The arrest has brought relief to residents in affected communities, many of whom had lived in fear of the Mahmuda group’s activities. Local sources said Abba’s sudden disappearance from public view had sparked speculation before confirmation of his capture emerged.
Security analysts believe the operation could weaken the group’s operations and send a strong signal to other criminal networks operating in the region.
