Kehinde Fajobi
The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has arrived in Sokoto for his first operational tour of the 8th Division’s Area of Responsibility.
During his visit, he is set to meet with the Sultan of Sokoto and other key stakeholders in the region.
General Oluyede will also address troops involved in Operation Fasan Yamma, which focuses on combating terrorism in Nigeria’s northwest.
His visit follows the recent emergence of a new terror group, the Lakurawa, confirmed by the Defence Headquarters just three days prior.
The group has reportedly spread across five local government areas in Sokoto, raising concerns about security in the North-West.
Defence Media Operations spokesperson, Major General Edward Buba, noted that the Armed Forces are actively responding to the Lakurawa threat, a group affiliated with Sahel-based terrorists from Mali and Niger Republic.
“Troops are confronted with a new terrorist sect in the North-West. This sect is known as Lakurawa. They are affiliated with terrorists in the Sahel, particularly from Mali and Niger Republic,” General Buba explained.
He added that the Lakurawa began moving into Nigeria’s northern regions, especially Sokoto and Kebbi, after military ties between Nigeria and Niger weakened following Niger’s recent coup.
In addition, the military has declared nine terrorists wanted, citing their involvement in escalating security challenges across the nation.