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JUST IN: New terrorist group emerges in North-Central, kills over 15 civilians
A new terrorist organization simply identified as Mahmuda has emerged in the North Central part of Nigeria, tormenting residents of rural communities.
The group according to Sahara Reporters, have been attacking communities around the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) at will.
The national park is located in North Central Nigeria, spanning parts of Kwara State and Niger State.
Some affected communities are in Kaiama Local Government Area (Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, Nanu) and Barutein Local Government Area (villages in Yashikira District), both in Kwara.
Sources according to the paper, revealed that the group has taken over communities in Babana and Wawa District in Borgu Local Government in Niger.
The rogue organization repeatedly attacked a vigilante group on Wednesday in Kemanji, killing over 15 members and villagers.
“They called themselves Mahmuda group. Their leader in a voice note is threatening all the communities. They kill and kidnap victims and also demand ransom,” one of the sources said.
Another source added, “The surge of insecurity in Nigeria has been a source of concern to the citizenry because of its destructive factor to livelihood, and unfortunately, new militant groups continue to emerge and occupy the ungoverned spaces in the country.
“With the Kainji Lake National Park left unguarded, the loggers, fishermen, and hunter groups take the opportunity and start enjoying the common good of the citizens for their personal gain,” the source said.
“At the beginning there was a clash between the loggers and the militants as well as the vigilantes, but the loggers negotiated with the militants, and the loggers gained access to the forest to harvest trees without any hitches and this as well serves as the biggest opportunity for the militant to make money through the logging activities.
“Currently, the community of Kainji National Park (KLNP), which includes Kaiama LGA (Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, Nanu) and Barutein LGA (villages in Yashikira District that share a border with the park), all in Kwara State, part of Babana and Wawa District in Borgu LGA in Niger State, have been under siege for years, and the world does not know what is happening to the Borgawas (Borgu people).
“The militants occupied the park visibly over five years ago when they raided the park and chased the Range Guard out of the park. They migrated from Mokwa LGA when they were chased away by the then Governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu. He accused them of being members of Boko Haram.
“Upon their eviction from Mokwa LGA, they relocated to a village called Welele in Kaiama LGA. The local government authority, with the collaboration of the security forces, forced them out of Kaiama LGA. Following their eviction from Kaiama, they relocated to the Kaduna State forest. The same group, well-armed, resurfaced in the national park, and became a monster.
“Thus, who are these new militant groups? Some people claim that the militant group came from the Benin Republic or Niger Republic. This claim is also similar to a report from BBC Radio that there was an influx of militant groups to Kainji Lake National Park. Further study of them will reveal the true identity of this faceless group.
“However, a recent audiotape record from the militant claims to be a moderate Islamist, this assertion confirms that they are a sect of Boko haram that broke away from the Shekau-led extremist group. Regrettably, the locals are gradually being recruited into their ranks as informants. They referred to themselves as the Mahmuda Group or Mallam Group, their leader’s name and a jihadist fighting to promote the cause of the Sunni group.
“The militant group mainly speaks Hausa. The saddened reality is that the activities of these militants, controlling a vast territory of 3970.29 sq. km of the Nigerian state, have resulted in the community members living at the mercy and dictates of the non-state actor. Living at the mercy and dictates of the militants manifests in a number of ways.
“First, the herders within the park pay dues (zakah) to the militants to allow them to graze their cattle. Second, the farmers to whom the militant allocates farmland within the forest also pay farming levies to the militants. Third, the militants forced the residents to work on their farm as sadaka. Fourth, members of the community are kidnapped and made to pay ransom. Fifth, illegal mounting of roadblocks along the community, and regulating the social activities, particularly the sale of alcohol and all forms of smoking, and even settling disputes among the community’s members.
“Sixth, the militants threaten the existence of herbalists that they assume are fortifying the community vigilante members to confront them. Unconfirmed reports also have it that the Mahmuda Group or Mallam Group is into illegal mining in the park environment.
“In their ploy to deceive the people with religion, they timely gather community members to preach about Islamic ethics as well as persuade community members to be disloyal to the Nigerian state and also instruct that any disputes within the community must be reported to them.
“The loss of trust in the security agent to address the insecurity challenges in the area makes the vigilante group work hand in hand with the Mahmuda Group to rescue kidnapped victims from the bandits. The group was able to force out all the bandits from the park area, and their collaborators within the communities were kidnapped to their place, and ransom was collected, or those judged to be more involved in the act of banditry were slaughtered.
“The assumption among the locals is that the militant group present in the National Park is known to the authority above, but by whom? Guess time will tell. To some, it’s simply because of the sophisticated weapons in their possession, which makes it practically difficult for them to be dislodged from the national asset.”
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The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.
Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028
Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
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