The Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified their crackdown on the notorious Lakurawa terror group, even as the military high command pushes for life imprisonment or death penalty for personnel caught aiding terrorists.
Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector Operation Fansan Yamma, revealed this during a media briefing with Defence Correspondents on a media tour in Sokoto on Tuesday. His comments come amidst growing concerns about the role of rogue soldiers in fuelling insecurity in the region by allegedly selling arms and ammunition to terrorist elements.
The Defence Correspondents, who were led by Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar, visited the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Theater Command Operation Fansan Yamma as part of the Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) efforts to ensure journalists have firsthand information on frontline operations.
Lakurawa group, known for its cross-border operations from Niger Republic to Nigeria, has long posed a serious threat to the security architecture of northwestern Nigeria. However, Gen. Ajose disclosed that recent coordinated military operations have significantly weakened their capabilities.
“We have destroyed their camps in Sokoto and Kebbi States,” Ajose said. “The Lakurawa group is mobile, moving across borders, but we are collaborating with our Nigerien counterparts to deny them safe havens,” he added.
Despite these gains, the fight has not been without cost. The GOC solemnly noted that some soldiers paid the ultimate price, while others were gruesomely decapitated during encounters with the insurgents.
Gen. Ajose emphasised the critical role of local communities in sustaining military gains, particularly along Nigeria’s porous borders.
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According to him, where military presence is consistent, the locals trust the forces and willingly provide intelligence about Lakurawa movements. However, intermittent deployment leaves some communities vulnerable and disengaged.
“This is where the state government must step in, to win hearts and minds by providing basic amenities. This will foster a sense of belonging and support our operations,” Ajose said.
He further revealed that non-kinetic strategies had also yielded remarkable success, particularly in Katsina State, where dialogue and engagement with Fulani and Hausa communities led to the unconditional release of 100 kidnapped victims. Encouragingly, several bandits have since expressed willingness to lay down their arms.
On accountability within the military, Gen. Ajose was unequivocal, stating that soldiers caught selling or leasing weapons to bandits and terrorists would face the harshest penalties, which may include capital punishment.
“The military is proposing life imprisonment or death penalty for any personnel found guilty of such betrayal. We will not tolerate treachery in our ranks,” he declared.
Gen. Ajose also addressed concerns about soldiers’ misuse of social media, calling it a violation of military protocol that would attract severe sanctions, including dismissal.
He assured that Operation Fansan Yamma will sustain its momentum against insurgents, especially the crumbling Lakurawa group, while noting that there has been no records of missing or kidnapped Corps members in Sokoto State in the last four months.
Meanwhile, the push for internal reforms within the Nigerian Armed Forces signals a new era of accountability and strategic coordination in their kinetic and non-kinetic operations, thereby restoring the confidence of residents in the area.
