Nigerian troops have uncovered and dismantled camps belonging to the newly-emerged terrorist group, Lakurawa, during operations in Jibia, Katsina State, and Tsafe, Zamfara State. The mission, tagged Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, was launched under the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to strengthen ongoing military efforts in the region.
Specialised units deployed for this mission arrived in Sokoto State on Thursday, according to Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2, Operation Fasan Yanma. Speaking to journalists in Sokoto on Friday, Ajose described the operation as highly successful, revealing that several forests had been cleared and multiple terrorist hideouts destroyed since the operation began a week ago.
Ajose also disclosed the deployment of the Defence and Special Operations Brigade to consolidate these gains. The brigade, made up of specially trained personnel, has joined forces with local units already active in the area.
Captain Martins Miagamu, Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Tangaza, Sokoto, further detailed the progress of recent clearance operations. He noted that efforts to neutralise the Lakurawa group have focused on locations such as Sarma, Bouni, and Tona since December 1, 2024. On December 8, the troops successfully pushed the terrorists toward Gudu, marking the conclusion of a pre-causal operation phase. Preparations for the next phase are now underway, in line with directives from the Chief of Defence Staff.
However, Miagamu acknowledged challenges posed by local informants and sympathisers who assist the terrorists. “These individuals often tip off the terrorists about our movements before we act,” he said, adding that some locals have even formed close ties with the terrorists, including marrying women from nearby villages to gain their protection.
Miagamu also revealed that the Lakurawa terrorists try to win over locals by framing their jihad as a fight against military and government forces rather than civilians.
In Gusau, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, Commander of the 1 Brigade Headquarters, emphasised the group’s desperation, citing their increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). “The use of IEDs shows they are nearing defeat. But this will not stop us. We will continue until the entire North-West is free from their menace,” Opurum said.
He also issued a stern warning to the terrorists: “Surrender or be neutralised. There is no place for you to hide.”
Meanwhile, in Katsina, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, Commander of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, highlighted the complex security situation in the state, with over 50 distinct bandit groups operating with varying motives. He assured the public that the brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains resolute in tackling these threats and finding sustainable solutions.
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