The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, has announced that the Nigerian military is working closely with the Niger Republic’s armed forces to address the growing threat posed by the Lakurawa insurgents, who have been destabilizing Nigeria’s Northwestern region.
During a briefing at the Presidential Villa on Monday, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Oluyede highlighted the significance of regional collaboration in addressing security challenges. He also shared plans to implement new strategies aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Addressing his recent visit to Niger Republic, Major General Oluyede explained that the engagement was part of his responsibilities in his new role as Chief of Army Staff. “I am here to reassure Mr President that I will do my best to improve Nigeria’s security. My aim is to explore different approaches to achieve better results,” he stated.
The Army Chief emphasized that his visit highlighted the importance of fostering stronger ties with neighboring countries to address shared security challenges. Reflecting on his visits to military formations within Nigeria, Oluyede mentioned that he had met with officers and soldiers in the Northwest and Northeast regions to assess the situation and enhance coordination.
“I wanted to make them understand the urgency of ending all forms of insecurity in Nigeria. I told them boldly that we will do things differently and expect better results going forward,” he said.
These regions have been key battlegrounds in the fight against insurgencies, including Boko Haram and the Lakurawa faction, which has been gaining momentum in recent months. Regarding the involvement of Niger Republic in addressing the Lakurawa threat, the Chief of Army Staff emphasized the significance of regional solidarity in tackling the issue effectively.
“We have to get in touch with them because it affects them too. When we hit Lakurawa hard on the Nigerian end, they tend to flee to Niger Republic. Now that Niger Republic is fully on board, we are confident that Lakurawa will soon be a thing of the past.”
Nigerian Military Intensifies Efforts Against Terrorist Group Lakurawa
The Nigerian military has ramped up operations to dismantle a newly identified ISIS-linked terrorist group, Lakurawa, which has set up bases in the northwest states of Sokoto and Kebbi. The military’s goal is to eliminate the group, which has been disrupting local communities and imposing illegal levies on residents.
Major General Edward Buba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, reaffirmed the military’s determination to neutralize this threat. “We are already pursuing them, and we will take them out,” he said, underlining the military’s focus on securing Nigerian territory.
General Buba disclosed that Lakurawa fighters crossed into Nigeria from Niger Republic, establishing camps in remote areas between Sokoto and Kebbi. Initially, local residents thought the group had peaceful intentions, which delayed reporting to authorities until the group started engaging in violent activities.
“This is the first known infiltration of Sahel-based ISIS-linked fighters into Nigeria,” explained General Buba. He pointed out that the group took advantage of the difficult terrain and gaps in regional cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Republic to set up bases in isolated areas of the northwest.
In response to the spread of Lakurawa, the military is carrying out extensive operations in the affected regions. General Buba urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to security forces, as this could help prevent further incursions by terrorist groups. General Buba also highlighted recent military successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry across Nigeria.
In the past month, troops have neutralized 481 terrorists, arrested 741 criminals, and rescued 492 kidnapping victims. Additionally, they recovered 480 weapons and over 9,000 rounds of ammunition. “This is another example of the military’s outstanding performance against terrorists across northern states,” he remarked.
In another development, General Buba revealed that several leaders of terror gangs in Northcentral Nigeria have expressed a willingness to surrender. Under intense pressure from superior military firepower and a steady loss of fighters, these gang leaders are now considering laying down their arms.
“The terrorists are left with the option of surrendering or facing death on the battlefield,” Buba stated. “There is no third option.” He explained that the military has opened a “surrender corridor” for terrorists wishing to disarm, ensuring that those who choose to lay down their weapons will not be harmed.
