DSS Captures West Africa’s Most Feared Terror Kingpin in Daring Niger Operation

According to Ireporter Online, the Niger State Government has confirmed the arrest of Abubakar Abba, the notorious commander of the Mahmuda terror group, in a major security breakthrough. Abba, whose network has long terrorised communities across Niger and Kwara states, was captured alive during an intelligence-led Department of State Services (DSS) operation in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area, and subsequently transferred to Abuja for interrogation.

Governor Mohammed Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the operation as a milestone in the fight against insecurity, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to restoring peace. He noted that the Mahmuda group — an offshoot of Boko Haram with reported links to the Islamic State — ranks among the most dangerous terror cells in West Africa.

The group has been implicated in a string of deadly raids, including coordinated attacks in Kwara State on June 3 that left seven villagers dead in a single day. Other incidents have involved mass abductions, the killing of at least 15 vigilantes in Kemanji village, and assaults on communities near Kainji Lake National Park. Their activities have crippled local economies through extortion, forced labour, and illegal mining, with many residents forced to flee their homes.

Governor Bago lauded the DSS for the successful mission, calling it a decisive step toward safeguarding lives and property in the North-Central region.