Nigerian military troops have destroyed camps belonging to a newly-formed terrorist group, Lakurawa, in Katsina and Zamfara states, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against insurgency in the North-West region.
The operation, tagged Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, was launched a week ago in response to the group’s activities in the Jibia area of Katsina State and Tsafe in Zamfara State.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, deployed specialised troops to reinforce ongoing operations, with the Defence and Special Operations Brigade joining local forces to sustain the offensive.
Speaking to journalists in Sokoto on Friday, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2, Operation Fasan Yanma, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, confirmed the operation’s success.
According to him, troops have cleared several forests and dismantled multiple terrorist camps in the region.
Brigadier General Ajose said, “The operation has achieved significant success, and we are resolute in our mission to rid the region of these criminal elements.
The deployment of specialised troops underscores our commitment to achieving lasting peace in the North-West.”
Captain Martins Miagamu, Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Tangaza, Sokoto, detailed the progress made in the operation, which began on December 1, 2024.
He revealed that clearance missions have targeted areas like Sarma, Bouni, and Tona, where Lakurawa terrorists frequently operate.
“On December 8, we successfully pushed them towards the general area of Gudu, marking the conclusion of our limited pre-causal operation,” Miagamu said.
He added that preparations for the next phase are already underway, as directed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
However, Miagamu highlighted the challenges posed by local sympathisers and informants, who often alert the terrorists to military movements.
“Some locals have established connections with these terrorists, including marrying women from nearby villages to gain their protection,” he noted.
Miagamu explained that the terrorists mislead locals into believing their jihad is targeted solely at security personnel and government officials, leaving civilians unharmed.
Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, Commander of the 1 Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, noted that the terrorists’ increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) signals their desperation.
“The use of IEDs is a clear sign that they are on the brink of defeat. But this will not deter us. We are committed to eradicating them from the entire North-West region,” Opurum said.
He issued a stern warning to the insurgents, urging them to surrender or face annihilation. “Surrender or be neutralised. There is no place to hide,” he declared.
In Katsina State, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, Commander of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, revealed that over 50 bandit groups with varying motives operate across the state.
He assured that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, is addressing these threats with renewed vigour.
The military’s sustained operations against Lakurawa and other criminal groups reflect its determination to restore peace and stability in the troubled North-West region.
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