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Silent jubilation in Kwara, Niger communities over speculated DSS capture of Mahmuda terror leader
Silent jubilation in Kwara, Niger communities over speculated DSS capture of Mahmuda terror leader
By: Zagazola Makama
There is a wave of cautious celebration in some border communities of Kwara and Niger States following speculations surrounding the sudden disappearance – and possible capture – of Abubakar Abba Mahmuda, the feared leader of the Mahmuda terror group.
Zagazola Makama report that though no official statement has been released, residents in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara and parts of Borgu in Niger are gripped by growing belief that the Department of State Services (DSS) may have captured the notorious terrorist commander in a covert operation over the weekend.
The Mahmuda group, a violent breakaway faction of Boko Haram, has for over five years launched repeated attacks on farming communities in the Kainji Lake axis, displacing villagers, levying communities, and terrorising border settlements across Nigeria’s northwest.
However, the absence of Mahmuda’s voice often sent in Hausa audio messages demanding protection levies or issuing threats has sparked renewed hope among locals.
A village elder in Baruten, who spoke under anonymity, said the mood in his community has been quietly jubilant since Saturday.
“We have not heard Mahmuda’s voice, and none of his men knows his whereabouts,” he said. “The rumour is that DSS tracked him to one of his spiritualists and captured him alive. If this is true, then it is a big victory for all of us.”
According to him, the villagers strongly believe only the DSS could have executed such a high-level operation with precision and silence.
“Muna matukar farin ciki da DSS akan wannan falala da suka yi cikin sirri,” he said in Hausa, which loosely translates to: “We are very happy with what the DSS has done for us, and with such secrecy. These terrorists have been a source of severe headache for us.”
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for allegedly responding to their long-standing cries for intervention.
Also speaking, the leader of a cattle market in the area expressed relief, saying his community had been under constant threat and economic hardship due to Mahmuda’s activities.
“Muna godiya ga Allah da wannan babban nasara,” he said. “We thank God for this great victory. We were living in fear, and now we can breathe. Thanks to the President and those carrying out these secret operations.”
Mahmuda, 33, is originally from Daura in Katsina State. Independent security sources told Zagazola that he once made a living selling Islamic tapes and recordings of radical clerics, including Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf.
He reportedly joined Boko Haram in its early years but later switched to Ansaru, before forming the Mahmuda faction around the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) region, a forested area of over 5,300 square kilometres – larger than Anambra State.
It is believe the group built alliances with terrorist cells in Mali and Niger Republic, drawing logistical and ideological support from regional jihadist networks.
In recent months, Mahmuda’s fighters had grown bolder, storming villages in broad daylight, collecting levies, and sacking entire communities. His audio threats had become a source of dread across the border communities.
A security source familiar with recent operations confirmed to Zagazola that the DSS had been quietly executing intelligence-led missions targeting high-profile terrorist leaders.
“Though details of Mahmuda’s disappearance remain sketchy, what’s not in doubt is that DSS operations in the North have become more surgical and efficient under the current leadership,” the source said.
As of Wednesday, security personnel across Kwara and Niger States remained on high alert, even as community leaders urged continued vigilance amid hopes that the group may fracture in the absence of its central command figure.
While the DSS has neither confirmed nor denied the reports, the atmosphere in Baruten and parts of Niger points to a rare moment of cautious optimism – the kind that only comes when a long-feared enemy seemingly vanishes without a trace.
Silent jubilation in Kwara, Niger communities over speculated DSS capture of Mahmuda terror leader
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
By: Zagazola Makama
Another group of repentant bandits has released three women in Katsina State as part of the ongoing peace process in the state.
The women, whose names were not immediately disclosed, were said to have been held by a notorious bandit leader, Kacalla Zailani, who controls the Maigora axis.
Community sources told Zagazola on Wednesday that Zailani freed the captives voluntarily without collecting ransom.
“He handed over the women to the mediators as a gesture of goodwill to consolidate the peace deal,” one of the sources said.
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
… Fagbemi: Zulum, people-centred and reform-driven Gov.
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, National Assembly and other partners to deepen reforms in the state justice system especially at the grassroots level.
Governor Zulum made the commitment on Wednesday at the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat held at the International Conference Centre of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
“I reaffirm Borno State’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, the Judiciary, the National Assembly, and development partners to deepen reforms in our justice system, especially at the grassroots level,” Zulum stated.
The governor stressed the need for the deployment of technology which will make justice delivery faster, transparent and accountable to the citizenry, noting that Borno State had already adopted the use of digital technology to bridge justice delivery gap.
“In Borno State, we are already witnessing how digital tools have enhanced case tracking, enabling virtual court sittings, thus improving prison decongestion and streaming access to legal aid especially in hard-to-reach areas. If deployed strategically, technology can bridge the gap between rural and urban justice access,” he remarked.
“This is particularly important in Borno State where we continue to recover from a protracted
insurgency and humanitarian crisis. Justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust and restoring the social contract”.
The governor emphasized the need for institutional collaboration and coordinated reform to effectively confront the menace of terrorism, corruption, resolving land disputes and securing investments for a better society.
“I urge all of us here as policymakers, jurists, administrators and stakeholders to see
coordination not as a procedural matter, but as a moral imperative. Our people deserve a system that works, not one riddled with delays, duplications, or inefficiencies”.
The retreat themed “Strengthening Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation and Co-ordinated Reform” underscores the importance of deployment of digital tools to fast track judicial process.
The event was attended by the senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN; APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, Chairman/CEO NDLEA, Brig. Gen (rtd) Buba Marwa; Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, Heads of Agencies under Federal Ministry of Justice. Others include Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, acting Chief of Staff, the State Attorney-General, members of the state executive council, and other top government officials.
… Zulum: people-centred, and reform-driven Gov -Fegbemi
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has lauded Governor Babagana Zulum’s people-centred transformation and reforms in the justice sector.
“Just like other sectors, your impact in the justice sector has been profound. The launch of Borno State e-Justice project in
partnership with Law Pavilion has positioned the state as a pacesetter in digital transformation. With tools such as the Case
Management System, e-Library, and electronic mail tracking for legal processes, Borno is pioneering efficiency and transparency
in judicial service delivery,” Fagbemi stated.
“Borno under your leadership has become a case study in resilience and renewal. You have shown that governance is not about slogans but about solutions; not about rhetoric but about results. You have elevated the standard of leadership by demonstrating that ideas, when backed by courage and action, can transform societies, no matter the odds,” he added.
“In a state that has endured some of the toughest trials in our nation’s history, you did not succumb to despair. Instead, you applied
innovative thinking, sound judgment, and a data-driven approach to policy and the results are visible to all”.
The Attorney General called for the need to update the nation’s legal frameworks to support these innovations and invest in digital literacy,
cybersecurity, and data management for the professionals.
“By fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging the transformative power of technology, we can build a justice system that is more efficient, more accessible, and more equitable for all Nigerians,” he concluded.
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
By: Zagazola Makama
A total of 28 persons abducted by suspected bandits in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have been released without ransom following a peace arrangement with bandit kingpin.
The bandits, led by their commander identified as Isya Akwashi Garwa, handed over the captives to officials of the council on Wednesday.
Zagazola reports that those released were largely residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki and Yar Dabaru communities.
Local authorities confirmed that the release was the outcome of a reconciliation effort initiated in the area to restore peace and reduce violent attacks.
Community leaders in Faskari described the development as a positive signal and urged both sides to sustain the peace process. They also urged the bandit to force other bandits still attacking in the area to stop.
A council official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The captives were released this afternoon without any ransom being paid. The bandit leader fulfilled his promise under the peace talks,”he said.
Meanwhile, residents expressed relief at the safe return of the abductees, with some calling for stronger security guarantees to consolidate the gesture.
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
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