In a bold move to combat the growing threat of the Lakurawa Sect, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has deployed a Special Operations Brigade to Sokoto and Kebbi States.
This deployment comes as part of ongoing military efforts to eliminate the self-proclaimed jihadist group, which has been wreaking havoc in the northwestern region of Nigeria.
According to a statement issued from Sokoto, the Special Brigade will support the successful operations conducted under the code-named Operation Forest Sanity III, aimed at driving the Lakurawa Sect out of the region.
The Lakurawa Sect, which has been active in the states of Sokoto and Kebbi, is considered a significant threat to the safety and security of local communities.
The government has committed substantial resources to eradicating the group, which has been accused of engaging in various criminal activities, including terrorism and banditry.
The deployment of the Special Operations Brigade is seen as a critical step to bring an end to the group’s violent actions and restore peace in the affected states.
During a briefing on Friday, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2, Operation Fasan Yamma, addressed the troops, urging them to stay focused on the task ahead.
Ajose conveyed the orders of the Theatre Commander, Major General Oluyinka Soyele, who has emphasized the importance of eradicating the Lakurawa Sect once and for all.
“The deployment of the Special Operations Brigade is meant to serve as a crucial addition to our forces to frustrate the bandits and restore peace to these communities,” said Brigadier General Ajose.
While emphasizing the military’s commitment to dismantling the Lakurawa Sect, Brigadier General Ajose reminded the troops to prioritize the protection of innocent civilians.
“The rules of engagement must be strictly followed,” Ajose said. “We must ensure the safety of the law-abiding citizens while carrying out this mission.”
He also stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and upholding the trust of Nigerians who rely on the military to restore peace and security.
“Nigerians are counting on your ability to flush out the sect and restore peace,” he added.
The current deployment builds on the successes of previous military operations.
Brigadier General Ajose outlined how troops from the 8 Division had already carried out several operations targeting known hideouts and forests used by the Lakurawa Sect.
These operations, conducted under Operation Fasan Yamma, targeted key areas in Sokoto and Kebbi, including Rumji Dutse, Sarma, Tsauna, and Malgatawa, among others.
The efforts have resulted in the destruction of 22 camps, the neutralization of several sect members, and the recovery of weapons and ammunition.
The military has reported significant success in dismantling the Lakurawa Sect’s infrastructure.
Among the recovered items were four rifles, 409 rounds of PKT 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
These victories reflect the military’s increasing effectiveness in weakening the Lakurawa Sect’s operations and denying them the resources to continue their attacks.
The deployment of the Special Operations Brigade is seen as a vital step to intensify efforts against the Lakurawa Sect.
This brigade is specially trained and equipped to deal with the complexities of counter-insurgency operations in the region.
Brigadier General Ajose expressed confidence in the brigade’s ability to accomplish its mission, describing them as highly capable and well-prepared.
The ongoing efforts to dismantle the Lakurawa Sect reflect the Nigerian military’s broader strategy to combat terrorism and banditry across the country.
This new deployment is a direct response to the growing threats in Sokoto and Kebbi, as well as other northwest regions plagued by criminal activities.
The military has repeatedly emphasized the need for a sustained, coordinated effort to eliminate these groups and restore order to affected communities.
