Lakurawa: Acting COAS Oluyede storms Sokoto amid rising threat from new terror group

Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has arrived in Sokoto on his first operational visit to the 8th Division’s Area of Responsibility. During his visit to the North-Western state, Oluyede is set to meet with the Sultan of Sokoto and other key stakeholders in the region.

He will also address troops involved in Operation Fasan Yamma, who are actively combating terrorist activities in the northwest.

Oluyede’s visit comes shortly after the Defence Headquarters confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group, known as ‘Lakurawa,’ in Sokoto and Kebbi states. This group is now causing significant security challenges in five local government areas of Sokoto State.

According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the Lakurawa group has intensified insecurity in the North-West, but the Armed Forces are working to contain their activities.

“This new terrorist sect, known as the Lakurawa, has affiliations with Sahel-based groups from Mali and Niger Republic,” Buba stated. “They entered northern Nigeria, particularly Sokoto and Kebbi states, through routes from Niger and Mali.”

Buba further noted that the group’s emergence was linked to recent political instability in Niger, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbor. The Nigerian military has also declared nine terrorists wanted for their involvement in ongoing security threats across the nation.