Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the arrest of Abubakar Abba, leader of the notorious Mahmuda terror group, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The group has been terrorizing communities around Kainji National Park in Niger State.
Abba was apprehended in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area, following weeks of DSS surveillance.
He has been transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
In a statement on August 13, 2025, Governor Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, quoted the governor: “I confirm the arrest of Abubakar Abba, leader of one of West Africa’s most dangerous terror groups, by the DSS.
This intelligence-led operation, conducted without a single shot, is a major victory for our people and government.
”Bago praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to ending insecurity, highlighting the competence of the DSS and the administration’s resolve.
“President Tinubu’s leadership and strategic security appointments have shown that where there is a will, there is a way,” Bago said, commending the success of the operation.
