The military high command has announced plans to reintegrate surrendering bandits and terrorists operating in the North-West after it deployed Special Forces to combat the Lakurawa terrorist group in the region.
In a bid to eliminate the Lakurawa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the Army had launched to neutralise the threat posed by Lakurawa and other criminal groups in the North-West.
The General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2, Operation Fasan Yanma, Brig Gen Ibikunle Ajose, disclosed this to journalists in Sokoto, on Friday.
The deployment of the Special Forces comes in the wake of the attack on a community in Kebbi State by the Lakurawa terrorist group in November in which 17 lives were lost.
Tagged ‘Operation Safe Corridor North-West,’ it aims to rehabilitate and reintegrate repentant bandits in the region.
It is patterned after the ‘Operation Safe Corridor North-East’ programme, which was established in September 2015 for de-radicalising, rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant Boko Haram insurgents into society.
On January 24, 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, announced that 1,935 ex-Boko Haram terrorists were released back to their communities from the Bulumkutu camp in Maiduguri, Borno State, between 2016 and 2022, after they underwent the de-radicalisation programme.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement, credited the programme with the surrender of a significant number of top terrorists.
Among those who have so far surrendered, according to the military, are Yellow Jambros, Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi (also known as Alhaji Lawal), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e, and Babangida, among others.
However, speaking during an interaction with journalists in Sokoto, Brig Gen Ajose said the Operation Safe Corridor North West, modelled after a similar successful initiative in the North-East, was designed to provide a formal pathway for bandits, who surrendered, to reintegrate into society through state-led efforts.
He said, “In a couple of weeks or thereabouts Operation Safe Corridor North-West will kick off. Plans have been concluded and reconnaissance has been done.
“Teams have been formed up. They have visited here a number of times. I am sure very soon, Operation Safe Corridor North- West will soon commence
“There is a state apparatus in place. That’s why I told you that Safe Corridor North-West was to soon become a formal one. Once they surrender, we hand them over to their various state governments.”
Ajose denied reports that Lakurawa was present in six Local Government Areas in Sokoto.
He also said security had improved in the region, citing the vibrancy of local motor parks and markets as indicators of progress.
“If you had visited the motor parks, you would have seen that business is thriving. It means there is an improvement,” he asserted.
The army chief disclosed that the military had commenced ‘Operation Chase Lakurawas Out’ in Jibia in Katsina and Tsafe in Zamafara States.
He noted that specialised troops deployed by the CDS landed in Sokoto last Thursday to bolster the ongoing operations against the militants.
Ajose revealed that the precursor operation dubbed, ‘Operation Chase Lakurawas Out,’ commenced a week ago and has recorded significant successes.
“We have cleared a number of forests and destroyed several of their camps. Weapons and ammunition have been recovered,” he stated.
To consolidate these achievements, Ajose announced the deployment of the Defence and Special Operations Brigade by the CDS.
“To consolidate on this, as we speak, the CDS deployed the defence and other special operations brigade. They have arrived in Sokoto and Kebbi states to reinforce our operations. These are specialised troops, specifically selected and trained for this mission. They have all the necessary assets and have already joined forces with our troops on the ground,” he added.
Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Abuja, on Monday, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede announced that, alongside the deployment of troops to the region, coordinated air and ground offensives had been launched to neutralise threats posed by Lakurawa and other criminal groups in the North-West.
The Chief of Army Staff said, “The fight against terrorism and banditry under Operations HADIN ΚΑΙ and FASAN YAMMA has been intensified in the North-East and North-West theatres, respectively.
“In particular, Operation FANSAN YAMMA is making concerted efforts to speedily dismantle the Lakurawa terror group’s networks in the North-West. These operations leverage enhanced intelligence gathering, rapid deployment of Special Forces, and synchronised air and ground offensives to establish control and neutralise threats in the region.”
Oluyede further disclosed that the Army planned to collaborate with local communities to enhance intelligence gathering, fostering a united front against Lakurawa and other terrorist groups in the area.
He said, “Additionally, reinforced efforts are ongoing to engage local communities in information gathering and sharing to foster trust as well as promote a united stance against Lakurawa and other terrorist groups.
“This broad strategy underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.”
Speaking further, Oluyede assured soldiers on the frontline of systematic rotations to prevent operational fatigue and sustain their morale.
The CAS stated that the Army under his leadership would prioritise measures to enhance the physical and mental well-being of personnel.
Oluyede said, “I am dedicated to maintaining systematic troop rotations to relieve personnel who have overstayed in the field and to introduce fresh forces into our operational theatres.
“This practice is essential for preserving the physical and mental well-being of our troops, preventing fatigue, boosting morale across the Force, and ultimately enhancing operational effectiveness.”
The CAS also reassured Nigerians that the Army would scale up its operations in 2025, pledging sustained acquisition of platforms and combat enablers to further enhance its capabilities.
Oluyede noted, “I am, however, determined to ensure that under my leadership, the Nigerian Army remains steadfast and unwavering in its commitment to addressing the challenges facing our great nation.
“Our determination to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity must be stronger than ever, and we will relentlessly pursue excellence in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
“To this end, the Nigerian Army will upscale both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts across all theatres of operations in the coming year to ensure peace is completely restored across the country.
“Furthermore, Army Headquarters’ reinvigorated drive towards refurbishment of combat enablers such as the T-72 tanks, Armoured Personnel Carriers, and artillery pieces has further enhanced the serviceability of our platforms, correspondingly impacting hugely on our operational effectiveness.
“Accordingly, I hope to sustain the acquisition of requisite platforms and other combat enablers in the coming year to further enhance the Army’s combat effectiveness.”
Oluyede also said he planned to enhance support systems for soldiers and their families, including widows and dependents of fallen heroes.
“I am fully committed to upholding and, whenever possible enhancing the existing welfare support schemes, including those for the widows and next-of-kin of our fallen heroes, as well as for personnel who have incurred disabilities in the line of duty.
“This commitment includes timely financial assistance, access to healthcare, educational sponsorship for children or dependents of personnel, and other essential services aimed at providing stability to those affected by the sacrifices of our courageous colleagues.
“By prioritising these welfare initiatives, we honour their service and reinforce our duty of care, ensuring that the families of our fallen and injured personnel are respected,” he said.
At the conference, cheques were presented to some next-of-kins of deceased personnel of the Nigerian Army under the Group Life Insurance scheme.
The CAS also presented Hilux vehicles to 12 Regimental Sergeant Majors as part of his welfare scheme to boost the morale of soldiers.
He said the army would also sustain its support for personnel who suffered disabilities in the line of duty.
Speaking on the activity of the special troops since their arrival, a top military officer in the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto said they had recorded tremendous success in the last two days, adding that the troops cleared the hideouts of the sect members.
He stated, “You know we cannot tell you any information here officially but between me and you, we are recording success against the Lakurawa.
“Even though the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, are doing a wonderful job in the affected communities, the new brigade too has done serious damage to the camp of the sect.
“The operation is yielding positive results as more of them are being neutralised in the process.
“I am very sure that the defence headquarters will soon release the report to the general public but all I can say for now is Lakurawa will soon become history.”
A resident of Nakuru, one of the communities terrorised by the sect in the Tangaza Local Government Area, Abdullahi Umar, commended the military for restoring peace in the area.
Though he acknowledged that the people still live in fear, Umar observed that the security situation has improved.
“We thank the military for giving us hope that we can still enjoy our community and we pray for them to succeed in this operation, even though we still live in fear of possible attack from these enemies of peace especially whenever the troops go back to their base.
“We don’t know how possible it is for the Federal Government to keep the soldiers here permanently, otherwise these terrorists may retaliate against us.
“There is a need for the brigade in this area to monitor the activities of the sect, especially in settlements close to the forests and the border communities,” he added.
Also, the residents of Mera community, which was attacked by the Lakurawa, say they now enjoy peace and security.
Mallam Abubakar Mera explained that the troops had helped in restoring peace and harmony in the community.
“Since the unfortunate attack where about 17 of our people were killed and the deployment of troops here, we have been enjoying peace.
“Our fear is for the government not to withdraw the soldiers in the community because that may cause more problems,’’ he submitted.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its readiness to support the military in its quest to eliminate Lakurawa in the state.
The Special Adviser to the state governor on security matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), said the state welcomed the deployment of the Special Forces to the state.
He said the Lakurawa sect had suffered great casualties in recent times as more troops were being deployed in the affected communities.
Usman said, “Yes, we are getting more success against the Lakurawa militants and we are working to sustain it for a long time to come. As it concerns the security of the lives of people and their properties, there is a limit to what I can tell you about the mode of operation.
“I can tell you that the collaboration between the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government in the fight against Lakurawa is yielding positive results.
“More of the sect members are been dealt with in recent times and I can boldly tell you that we are winning the war against them.
“Many communities, except for a few, have been completely liberated by the troops and I know we shall win the war not just against Lakurawa but any other act of banditry in the state.”
The retired military officer admonished the residents and people of the state to cooperate with the security agents by offering vital information, stressing that they must support security agents with useful and timely tips.
