The Nigerian Army has ramped up its efforts to combat the rising threat of the Lukarawa terror group, which has been linked to escalating violence in Sokoto and Kebbi states. Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, visited the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto on Sunday, ordering troops to intensify their efforts to neutralize the group.
Lukarawa, identified last week by the Defence Headquarters, has been making inroads into both Sokoto and Kebbi, recruiting youths and spreading fear across the region. The group is said to be connected to jihadist factions in neighboring Mali and Niger, raising alarms about the growing influence of extremist groups in northwest Nigeria.
The acting Army chief noted that Lukarawa’s emergence was largely fueled by the political instability in Mali and Niger, which has allowed extremist elements to spill over into Nigeria. “The situation in these neighboring countries has created a conducive environment for such groups to spread,” said Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shedding light on the threat Lukarawa poses to the region.
While in Sokoto, Oluyede visited the Masallaci community in Tangaza Local Government Area, where he urged locals to provide accurate and timely intelligence to aid the military’s operations. “We can’t succeed without the support of the community,” he stated, emphasizing that collaboration with residents is essential to ensuring the security and stability of the nation.
During his visit, Oluyede also took time to meet with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and other local stakeholders, seeking their support for ongoing military operations. The Army Chief met with troops on the ground, including those deployed under Operation Fasan Yamma in both Sokoto and Kebbi, motivating them and assessing their readiness.
As part of the intensified efforts to eradicate the Lukarawa threat, troops have been mobilized to the troubled areas in Sokoto and Kebbi, with clearance operations already underway. The Army has been coordinating closely with other security agencies to ensure a unified and effective response to the growing terrorism concerns in the northwest.
