Emir Counters Police Report, Says New Terrorist Group Occupying Parts of Kwara, Niger States

The Emir of Yashikira, His Royal Highness Umoru Seriki, has raised concerns over the presence of a new terrorist group, identified as ‘Mahmuda’, allegedly occupying parts of Kwara North and neighbouring Niger State. The traditional ruler’s statement directly challenges the position of the Kwara State Police Command, which recently dismissed such claims as unfounded.

Speaking in an interview, the Emir expressed deep frustration over what he described as a lack of government response to the deteriorating security situation in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, as well as the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State. According to him, the communities under threat feel abandoned, with residents left to fend for themselves amid repeated attacks.

“We are totally demoralized. We are not happy with what the authorities are saying—that there is no presence of terrorists in our domains. We feel abandoned by the government and left on our own, but as the situation stands, we have no choice but to continue to defend ourselves,” the Emir said.

He confirmed recent attacks by the alleged terrorist group, noting that a security vehicle procured by the community for local vigilantes was bombed. Though no lives were lost in that particular incident, several vigilantes sustained injuries. The Emir clarified that while social media reports claimed 15 vigilantes were killed, the actual number of casualties was lower, though still significant. “We suffered some casualties and the terrorists also suffered some. The situation is real and we are praying for divine protection,” he added.

In contrast, the Kwara State Police Command issued a statement refuting the Emir’s claims. Spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi stated that comprehensive threat assessments and intelligence operations have found no evidence of insurgent presence or terrorist activity in the said areas. The command described reports of 15 vigilantes being killed as completely false and misleading.

The police also reaffirmed that all security agencies in the state remain on high alert and are operating under a multi-agency framework. They emphasized the importance of relying on verified information and urged the public and media not to spread panic through unconfirmed reports.

While acknowledging the sensitive nature of security challenges in border regions, particularly near Kainji Lake National Park, the police assured residents that situational control has been maintained. The command, under Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo, encouraged community members to report any suspicious activities through appropriate channels to ensure timely response and protection.