Nigerian military troops have uncovered and destroyed camps of the newly-formed terrorist group, Lakurawa, in the Jibia area of Katsina State and Tsafe in Zamfara State, as part of "Operation Chase Lakurawa Out."
The specialised troops, deployed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, arrived in Sokoto State on Thursday to support ongoing operations.
Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2, Operation Fasan Yanma, shared the updates with newsmen in Sokoto State on Friday.
Ajose confirmed that "Operation Chase Lakurawa Out" which began a week ago, has yielded significant successes, including clearing several forests and destroying multiple terrorist camps.
To further solidify these gains, Ajose announced the deployment of the Defence and Special Operations Brigade by the Chief of Defence Staff.
The specialised troops, selected and trained for the mission, have already joined forces with local units on the ground.
Captain Martins Miagamu, Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Tangaza, Sokoto, revealed that recent clearance operations targeting Lakurawa terrorists had been successful.
Since December 1, 2024, the operations have focused on areas like Sarma, Bouni, and Tona, where the terrorists often infiltrate.
Miagamu noted, “On December 8, we successfully pushed them towards the general area of Gudu, marking the conclusion of our limited pre-causal operation. We are now preparing for the next phase, as directed by the Chief of Defence Staff.”
However, Miagamu acknowledged the difficulties posed by local sympathisers and informants who helped the terrorists evade capture.
“Before we conduct any operations, these individuals often warn the terrorists about our movements,” he said.
He further explained that some locals form bonds with the terrorists, even marrying women from nearby villages to gain their protection.
“The terrorists have convinced the locals that their jihad is against the military, security personnel, and government officials, not civilians,” Miagamu added.
Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, Commander of the 1 Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, highlighted the progress made in the campaign, noting that the terrorists’ increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is a sign of 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 will continue until we rid the entire North-West of them,” Opurum asserted.
Opurum also issued a direct warning to the terrorists, “Surrender or be neutralised. We are coming for you, and there is no place to hide.”
In Katsina, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, Commander of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, reported that more than 50 bandit groups, each with different motives and tactics, are operating in the state.
He assured that the brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, is committed to addressing emerging threats and finding effective solutions.