The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a warning to the Kwara State Commissioner of Police regarding a potential terrorist attack on Gbabe community in Baruten Local Government Area by suspected Mamuda insurgents.
The alert was contained in a letter dated February 5, 2026, with reference number S.122/1/1897, signed by J.S. Adams on behalf of the State Director of Security, Kwara Command. The document, obtained by SaharaReporters, raised concerns over the growing presence of suspected militants around Kainji Lake National Park and nearby settlements, noting the threat to residents’ safety.
Intelligence reports indicate that the suspected terrorists may be planning an attack on Gbabe community in Gwanara District. The DSS letter stated:
“Reports indicate a possible threat from an armed group against Gbabe Community, stemming from the presence of suspected Mamuda elements around Kiyoru Settlement, despite hostile reactions from the villagers.”
The agency emphasized that the movements and activities of armed groups in and around Kainji Lake National Park require urgent preventive measures to protect the local population.
“Given the history of armed groups operating around Kainji Lake National Park, it is necessary to implement security measures to prevent any untoward incidents,” the letter read.
The DSS called on the police to take immediate, proactive steps to avert any potential attack on the community and surrounding areas.
Kainji Lake National Park, which spans parts of Kwara and Niger states, has in recent years been identified as a potential hideout for bandits and terrorist groups in Nigeria’s North Central and North West regions.
This warning follows a deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on February 4, 2026. Suspected Sahel-backed terrorists allegedly killed dozens, including two wives of the Emir of Woro, several of his children, the Chief Imam, a school principal, a headmistress, and students returning from school. The Emir, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, remains missing, raising fears of abduction or death.
Reports suggest that the attackers are linked to a Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction with operational ties to terrorist networks across the Sahel. During the attack, militants reportedly killed indiscriminately, including travelers passing through the community.
The assailants also set the Emir’s palace on fire and used his official vehicle to transport abducted victims to unknown locations. In video footage obtained by SaharaReporters, the destruction and casualties were evident, with several lifeless bodies and burning buildings seen across Woro.
