By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group known as ‘Lukarawas,’ exacerbating insecurity in the northwestern part of Nigeria.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, made this known yesterday in Abuja while briefing reporters on the military’s operations.
Buba said that the new terror group emerged from the Republic of Niger after the coup that led to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
He said that the terrorists began incursion into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in the Niger Republic.
According to him, before the coup, there were joint border operations with Nigerien security forces, which kept the terrorists at bay.
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” he said.
Buba said that the group was accommodated by the locals, who initially thought it meant well for them. Still, they failed to report the movement to the military and security agencies.
He gave assurance that troops had sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to degrade the terrorists.
He added that the terror group had continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals.
According to him, troops are locating them and eliminating the threat.
*Military kills 481 terrorists, apprehends 741 suspects in one month
Also, the DHQ says its troops have eliminated 481 terrorists, apprehended 741 suspects, and rescued 492 kidnapped hostages in different operations across the country in October.
Buba said the troops also recovered 480 weapons and 9,026 assorted ammunition, comprising 263 AK47 rifles, 81 locally fabricated guns, 91 Dane guns, and 76 pump action guns.
He added that troops recovered 5,683 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,944 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 642 cartridges, 160 assorted arms, and 1,526 ammunition during the month.
According to him, troops have done a tremendous job of significantly dismantling the terror groups across the country in various theatres of operations.
“Our strategy remains to undermine the ability of these terror groups and their cohorts. Troops conducted simultaneous strikes on several terrorist enclaves and hideouts across the country.
“The Air Force carried out bombardments and air interdiction on these terrorist hideouts and enclaves with precision, thereby diminishing the fighting capabilities of these terrorists.
“On the whole, even as the armed forces mourn the tragic passing away of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt-Gen T.A Lagbaja, we will not allow his passing to derail our focus to destroy the terrorists.
“His actions on the battlefield rather inspire us as a war commander as well as his strong desire to defeat the terrorist to end the war,” he said.
In the Northeast, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted synchronized offensives between the air force and ground forces, striking and dislodging terrorists from their hideouts and strongholds.
He said the exerted military pressure on the terrorists in the North East resulted in the killing of 198 terrorists, apprehending 166 suspects, and rescuing 156 kidnapped hostages.
He added that the troops recorded 257 surrendered BH/ISWAP terrorists’ combatants and their families, as well as recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.
In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralized 50 violent extremists, apprehended 202, and rescued 165 kidnapped hostages during the month.
In the North-West, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji had remained focused on creating a conducive and stable security environment for agricultural activities and other forms of socio-economic activities in the zone.
According to him, troops embarked on several offensive operations, canalising and destroying these terrorists in their hideouts and enclaves through ground and air operations.
He said that the troops neutralized 163 terrorists, apprehended 82 suspects, and rescued 80 kidnapped hostages.
“Additionally, troops recovered 121 AK47 rifles, 32 fabricated guns, 53 assorted arms, 2,134 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1,015 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 75 assorted ammunition.
“Also, troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 30 terrorists, arrested 111 suspects, and rescued 52 kidnapped hostages.
“They recovered nine AK47 rifles, 16 assorted arms, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special, 43 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 36 assorted ammunition,” he said
