Residents of border communities in Kwara and Niger States are cautiously celebrating following unconfirmed reports of the disappearance of Abubakar Abba Mahmuda, leader of the feared Mahmuda terror group.

Villagers in Baruten Local Government Area (LGA), repeatedly targeted by Mahmuda militants, claim the leader vanished over the weekend with no explanation from his commanders. Local speculation suggests the Department of State Services (DSS) covertly apprehended him during a visit to a traditional healer, with residents reporting he was taken alive to an undisclosed location.

While the DSS has not commented consistent with its new leadership's pledge for heightened operational secrecy a Baruten community chief confirmed widespread relief: "These militants have been a scourge in our villages. We thank President Tinubu for answering our pleas for protection."

The alleged disappearance has reportedly caused disarray within the terror network, offering hope to communities long plagued by violence along the Kwara-Niger border.

A leader of a nearby cattle market expressed similar relief, saying, "We thank the Almighty God for this great victory. We used to live in great fear. Happily, we would no longer live in fear, thanks to President Bola Tinubu."

Mahmuda, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, is said to have links with terror groups in Mali and Niger Republic. The group moved into Niger State over five years ago after dislodging guards at the Kainji Lake National Park, which spans more than 5,300 square kilometres.

In recent months, Mahmuda terrorists have been responsible for kidnappings, killings, and the sacking of entire communities in Kwara and Niger States. Mahmuda himself reportedly sent voice notes in Hausa, demanding levies from villagers in exchange for protection.

Independent security sources described the 33-year-old as a Hausa man from Daura, Katsina State, who previously sold recordings of Islamic clerics, including Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf. He initially joined Boko Haram, later aligned with Ansaru, and eventually founded Mahmuda.

As of Wednesday morning, details surrounding his possible arrest remained unclear, though sources confirmed ongoing intelligence-led operations by the DSS in northern Nigeria.