Lakurawa Terrorists Will Soon Be History, Says Army Chief Oluyede

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating the Lakurawa terrorist group, whose activities have terrorized communities in the north-west.

Lakurawa’s Reign of Terror

The Lakurawa group gained infamy for orchestrating violent attacks, including a recent assault on Mera village in Kebbi State, where over 15 people were killed and many others injured. These atrocities have heightened the need for decisive military intervention.

Intensified Military Operations

Addressing State House correspondents in Abuja on Monday, Oluyede revealed that the army is ramping up its offensive against the group. “We are hitting them hard at the Nigerian end,” he said. The intensified pressure has reportedly forced many of the terrorists to flee across the border into neighboring countries.

Cross-Border Collaboration

Oluyede emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, particularly with the Niger Republic and Chad, to completely dismantle the group. “Once you hit them hard here, they will flee to the Niger Republic. Now that Niger is coming on board, it means very soon Lakurawa will be a thing of the past,” he said.

Joint Border Patrols

To curb the terrorists’ movements, the Nigerian Army launched joint border patrols on December 8. These patrols aim to restrict the group’s cross-border activities and enhance security in affected areas like Sokoto and Kebbi states. Additional military personnel are also being deployed to these regions.

Tackling Root Causes

Oluyede pointed out that the terrorists exploit the desperation of local communities, luring them with financial aid and agricultural incentives. Addressing this issue is key to weakening their influence and recruitment efforts.

Leadership Commitment

During visits to military formations in the north-west and north-east, Oluyede encouraged officers and soldiers to adopt innovative strategies to combat insecurity. “I made bold to tell them that I want things done differently and I expect better results going forward,” he stated.

A Brighter Future

The COAS assured Nigerians that the army’s relentless efforts will yield tangible results, bringing an end to terrorism and paving the way for a safer and more secure nation.