The Nigerian Army has pledged to bring the full force of its might against the Lakurawa terror group, which has been a significant threat in the North-West region of the country.
Speaking at the 2024 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference held at the Command Officers Mess, Abuja, Lt. Gen. Olatunbosun Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, assured Nigerians that the Army is determined to eliminate all threats to national security.
The Army Chief revealed that Operation Fasan Yamma, the military’s flagship mission in the region, is being intensified to dismantle the Lakurawa terror network completely.
He explained that the strategy involves a mix of intelligence gathering, synchronized air and ground offensives, and rapid deployment of special forces.
“We are employing enhanced intelligence and rapid deployment techniques,” Gen. Oluyede said. “Additionally, we are engaging local communities to share information and foster trust in our mission.”
The COAS emphasized a combined approach of kinetic and non-kinetic measures to restore peace and stability in affected areas.
Kinetic measures include military offensives, while non-kinetic methods involve working with local communities to win their trust and ensure their cooperation.
“The goal is to create an environment of lasting peace,” Oluyede said.
In a bid to avoid overworking personnel, Gen. Oluyede announced a new troop rotation policy to maintain the morale and efficiency of soldiers on the frontlines.
“Relieving overstretched personnel and introducing fresh forces is key to maintaining operational effectiveness,” he explained.
A New Vision for the Nigerian Army
The COAS also spoke about his leadership vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a highly motivated, combat-ready force.
“Training drives operational success,” he said. “Under my leadership, all training will be practical and tailored to meet the demands of the current security environment.”
Gen. Oluyede highlighted plans to overhaul the Army’s training institutions to ensure officers and soldiers are equipped with the necessary skills to tackle emerging security challenges.
Reflecting on the achievements of 2024, the Army Chief commended the military’s efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across all six geopolitical zones.
He listed several operations—Hadin Kai, Fasan Yamma, Whirl Stroke, Safe Haven, and Delta Safe—as examples of the Army’s successes in addressing insecurity nationwide.
The Army has also made strides in persuading terrorists to surrender, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions. These efforts have led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.
Oluyede praised the federal government for its unwavering support, particularly the provision of state-of-the-art military equipment.
“Helicopters, drones, and armored vehicles have significantly improved our operational efficiency,” he noted.
The refurbishment of key assets such as T-72 tanks and artillery pieces has further boosted the Army’s firepower, he added.
Looking ahead, the Army Chief pledged to strengthen both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in 2025.
“Our work is far from over. We will continue to upscale our operations to restore peace across the country,” he declared.
In his closing remarks, Gen. Oluyede encouraged commanders to lead by example, quoting the legendary military strategist Sun Tzu: “A leader leads by example, not by force.”
He thanked the troops for their sacrifices and urged them to remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The Army Chief’s address reassured Nigerians that the military is resolute in its mission to secure the nation.
The Lakurawa group has been a menace in the North-West, engaging in acts of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
Security experts have described the group as one of the most dangerous terror networks in Nigeria, often targeting rural communities and travelers.
In recent years, military operations like Hadin Kai and Fasan Yamma have been launched to counter such groups. These missions have successfully weakened several terrorist networks, but Lakurawa remains a persistent challenge.
