The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has arrived in Sokoto for his first operational visit to the 8th Division’s area of responsibility.
During his stay in the North-Western state, he plans to visit the Sultan of Sokoto and engage with other key stakeholders within the division’s jurisdiction.
He will also address troops involved in Operation Fasan Yamma, who are actively combating terrorists in the region.
Oluyede’s visit follows the Defence Headquarters’ recent confirmation of a new terror group, known as ‘Lakurawa,’ operating in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Currently, five local government areas in Sokoto are affected by the Lakurawa group. Major General Edward Buba, from Defence Media Operations, stated that although the group has heightened insecurity in the North-West, the Nigerian Armed Forces are actively working to contain it.
“Troops are confronted with a new terrorist sect in the North-West. This sect is known as Lakuwaras, the Lakuwaras are affiliated to terrorists in the Sahel particularly from Mali and Niger Republic.
“They began incursion into Northern part of Nigeria, mainly Sokoto and Kebbi states, and like I mentioned, they came in from Niger and Mali axis,” General Buba said.
He further explained that the new terror group originated from Mali and the Republic of Niger following the recent coup, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
Additionally, the military has declared nine terrorists wanted in connection with ongoing security challenges facing the nation.