In a significant update regarding the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede revealed that the notorious Lakurawa terrorists tend to flee to Niger Republic when confronted by the Nigerian army.
This disclosure came after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, where Oluyede discussed strategies to combat cross-border insurgency, according to VANGUARD.
Following his recent visits to various army formations, General Oluyede expressed confidence in Nigeria’s collaboration with neighboring countries to tackle the persistent threat of terrorism.
He stated, “We are hitting them hard at the Nigerian end, and once you hit them here, they tend to flee to Niger Republic. Now that Niger Republic is coming on board, that means very soon, Lakurawa will be a thing of the past.”
The Lakurawa group, which emerged years ago as a self-defense militia in Sokoto State, has since evolved into a radical faction imposing strict religious laws and exerting control over local communities. Their activities have expanded into Kebbi State and have been marked by violent attacks, including a recent incident in November 2024 that resulted in multiple fatalities and cattle rustling.
Oluyede emphasized the need for a unified approach among West African nations to effectively combat these insurgents. He noted that these issues affect not only Nigeria but also its neighbors, making collaboration essential for success. The army’s commitment to innovative strategies and effective leadership under Oluyede aims to reposition the Nigerian Army for better results in addressing security challenges.