A new militant group known as Lakurawa is retreating from its strongholds in northwestern Nigeria due to a series of coordinated military ground and air assaults targeting their camps in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
The intensified military campaign was launched following a brutal attack by the Lakurawa group on Mera village in Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, which resulted in 17 fatalities. In response, additional troops were dispatched by army headquarters to strengthen the offensive.
The soldiers, upon arrival in Birnin Kebbi, met with Kebbi’s Deputy Governor, Abubakar Umar Tafida, before moving on to Mera. Abdullahi Idris Zuru, media aide to the Kebbi governor, reported that the troops successfully pushed back the militants and recovered several stolen cattle.
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has called for federal intervention to combat the rising violence from armed groups terrorizing rural areas. His administration remains committed to safeguarding residents, Zuru emphasized.
In Abuja, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu expressed confidence that the Lakurawa group, which has instilled fear across the northwest, will soon be eradicated. Speaking at the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu vowed to eliminate the group from Nigeria. He highlighted the retreat of Boko Haram as evidence of progress in the fight against terrorism, noting that the insurgents are shifting to neighboring countries as Nigeria becomes less conducive for their activities.
Ribadu also pointed to encouraging signs of economic recovery, mentioning increased crude oil production, now at 1.8 million barrels per day, and financial reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which he said is now under tighter regulation. He affirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to overcoming the nation’s challenges and advancing national development.
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