The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, recently arrived in Sokoto for his inaugural operational visit to the 8th Division’s Area of Responsibility, a visit marked by both symbolic and strategic importance amid heightened security concerns in the northwest......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
Oluyede’s agenda includes meetings with prominent figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, as well as other local leaders and stakeholders within the division’s jurisdiction. These engagements underscore the army’s commitment to community partnerships in addressing regional instability.
One key aspect of Oluyede’s visit is his scheduled address to soldiers involved in Operation Fasan Yamma, a military campaign focused on countering terrorism and restoring peace in the northwest. His direct engagement with the troops not only aims to boost morale but also reinforces the operational priorities in tackling insurgent threats.
Oluyede’s visit coincides with troubling news from the Defence Headquarters, which recently confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group identified as ‘Lakurawa.’ This group has reportedly caused significant unrest across parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states, with its activities affecting five local government areas in Sokoto State. The Defence Media Operations Director, Major General Edward Buba, highlighted the challenges posed by this group and emphasized the military’s proactive steps in addressing their influence in the region.
According to General Buba, the Lakurawa group is closely affiliated with larger terrorist networks in the Sahel, particularly in Mali and Niger Republic. These links are of particular concern, as they point to the group’s international ties and possible access to broader resources and strategies. “This new terrorist sect, known as the Lakurawa, is causing increased instability in the North-West. They have connections to terrorist cells in the Sahel region, especially in Mali and Niger, and have infiltrated Nigeria through its northern borders,” General Buba stated.
The emergence of the Lakurawa group appears to be partly linked to regional shifts, including the recent coup in Niger, which disrupted previous security partnerships between Nigeria and Niger. This breakdown has allowed armed groups more freedom to move across borders, complicating Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
In response to these rising threats, the Nigerian Armed Forces are intensifying their operations, with a focus on protecting affected communities and countering the influence of the Lakurawa and other militant groups. The military has also issued a wanted list of nine key terrorist operatives believed to be instrumental in fueling insecurity across the nation, signaling a concerted effort to dismantle these networks.
Lieutenant General Oluyede’s visit serves not only to assess current operations but also to bolster the military’s commitment to restoring security in the northwest. His presence underscores a resolve to address the complex challenges presented by these emerging groups, as the military works alongside local leaders to build a secure environment for residents of Sokoto and beyond.
