Nigerian Defence Headquarters confirms a new deadly terror group was operating in its North West zone as it mourns the loss of the army chief of staff
Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said Thursday, that. a new terror group known as “Lukarawas” was now operational in the North West region where the joint operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) is being conducted.
Defence Media Operations Director, Major General Edward Buba, during an operational briefing in the capital Abuja said the new terror group is magnifying insecurity in the North-West region but the Armed Forces of Nigeria are already putting them in a box.
Maj.General Edward Buba
“Troops are confronted with a new terrorist sect in the North-West. This sect is known as Lukawaras, the Lukawaras are affiliated to terrorists in the Sahel particularly from Mali and Niger Republic.
“They began incursion into Northern part of Nigeria, mainly Sokoto and Kebbi states, and like I mentioned, they came in from Niger and Mali axis,” General Buba said.
He added that the new terror group emerged from Mali and the Republic of Niger after the coup that led to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. Buba revealed that initial support from local communities enabled the group’s foothold, as residents mistakenly believed Lukarawas harbored peaceful intentions.
Nigerian Army solder on guard
“The group was accommodated by the locals who initially thought that the group meant well for them,” Buba stated, adding that this unintended assistance aided the group’s establishment in the region.
It is reported that the Lukarawas instituted welfare programs for host communities which accelerated their assimilation besides speaking the same language Hausa.
In response, the Nigerian military has ramped up Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to locate and neutralize the group.
Lt.General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede the new COAS
On Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces confirmed the substantive promotion of the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to Lieutenant-General., effectively making Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede the new chief.
A day later, the presidency announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56. Lagbaja has not been seen in public since September 10.
The new COAS signing the condolence register for his predecessor
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His
distinquished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.” Bayo Onanuga the presidential spokesman said on Tuesday.
“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.” The presidency stated.
Akowe with reports from Abuja