Military Destroys Lakurawa’s Camps As CDS Deployed More Troops
Nigerian military in search of terrorists
By Sola Akingboye,14 December 2024
The military said it has escalated its efforts against the emerging terrorist group Lakurawa, as it launched Operation Chase Lakurawas Out in the Jibia region of Katsina State and Tsafe in Zamfara State.
Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2 for Operation Fasan Yanma, revealed this during a tour for Defense Corr
espondents in Sokoto State on Friday.
According to the military, specialized troops dispatched by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, have arrived in Sokoto to enhance ongoing military operations as of Thursday.
Ajose indicated that preliminary operations, referred to as Operation Chase Lakurawas Out, commenced a week ago and had recorded significant successes.
“We have cleared numerous forests and dismantled several of their camps,” he reported.
To build upon these accomplishments, Ajose announced the arrival of the Defence and Special Operations Brigade, as ordered by the Chief of Defence Staff.
“They have reached Sokoto and Cape Estate to strengthen our operations. These specialized troops have been carefully selected and trained for this mission. They possess all necessary resources and have already integrated with our ground forces,” he elaborated.
Captain Martins Miagamu, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Tangaza, Sokoto, shared that recent clearance operations aimed at dislodging the Lakurawa terrorists have proven effective.
Miagamu stated, “Since December 1, 2024, we have been executing clearance operations in this region. Our efforts have particularly concentrated on the areas of Sarma, Bouni, and Tona. The Lakurawa terrorists frequently infiltrate this local government through Sarma village, where they take refuge in the surrounding regions, including Bouni and the Busania forest.”
He continued, “On December 8, we successfully drove them towards the vicinity of Gudu, marking the end of our initial pre-causal operation. We are now preparing for the subsequent phase as instructed by the Chief of Defence Staff.”
Miagamu expressed concern regarding the difficulties created by local sympathisers and informants who collaborate with the terrorists.
“One of the significant obstacles we encounter is the existence of sympathisers and informants within the community. Before any operation, these individuals frequently notify the terrorists about our patrols and movements,” he stated.
He also pointed out that some community members cultivate relationships with the terrorists, permitting them to marry local women and providing them with protection.
“The terrorists forge connections with the locals by marrying women in villages that are in close proximity to their hideouts. This establishes a bond where the villagers perceive the terrorists as integral members of their community, leading them to refrain from reporting suspicious activities,” Miagamu remarked.
He further observed, “The terrorists have previously assured that they will not harm the locals, asserting that their jihad is directed against military personnel, security forces, and government officials—not civilians.”
Brig. Gen. Timothy Opurum, Commander of the 1 Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, also underscored the advancements being made.
He noted that the terrorists’ increasing dependence on improvised explosive devices indicates their desperation and imminent defeat.
“The terrorists are under pressure. Their reliance on IEDs is indicative of their defeat, yet it has not dissuaded us. We will persist until we eradicate them from the entire North-West,” he declared.
Brig. Gen. Opurum issued a stern warning to the terrorists, stating, “Surrender or face neutralisation. We are pursuing them, and there will be no refuge.”
In Katsina, Brig. Gen. B.O. Omopariola, Commander of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, remarked that over 50 bandit groups with diverse affiliations, objectives, and tactics were active in the state, adding that the brigade remained resolute and continued to collaborate with other security agencies to formulate strategies to address emerging threats.
