The arrest of Abubakar Abba, leader of Mahmuda, one of the most feared terror groups in Nigeria has been confirmed.
The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed that Abba was arrested by men of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The terror group who has been terrorising residents around the Kainji National Park in Niger State.
Abba was captured in Wawa, Borgu local government area of the state after weeks of surveillance and has been taken to Abuja for further investigation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor said,
“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS. As you read,” Bago stated.
"He was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.
""This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news.
"Abba's arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians.
"Look at the appointments in the security services, especially the DSS. It takes a tremendous degree of intelligence and competence to, without firing a single shot, to capture a high-profile terrorist like Abba. Where there is a will, they say, there is a way. Mr. President has consistently shown that willpower. That's why we are recording such successes,” he noted.