Armed forces set to crush Lakurawa terrorists — Defence minister

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has assured citizens and residents of Sokoto and Kebbi States of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ readiness to eliminate members of Lakurawa and other terrorist groups from their hideouts.

The minister made this statement on Monday in Sokoto while inspecting the facilities of the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma.

He said the military had made a decisive move against Lakurawa.

“You heard it from the Chairman of the local government area attacked by the Lakurawa in Kebbi State, confirming the heavy presence of troops in the area.

“The Lakurawa have been driven out. This is a result of the resilience and dedication of our security operatives.

“You are aware of the successes recorded by our Air Force; they bombarded some of the bandits’ hideouts, and now the bandits are on the run,” he said.

Speaking further on the ongoing military operation, the minister noted that people in the affected areas could testify to its effectiveness.

“We recently launched a new air platform in Katsina and unveiled the latest attack helicopters to combat banditry and the Lakurawa. Some of these will be redeployed to Sokoto,” he said.

The minister was accompanied by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, and other senior military officers.

Meanwhile, some residents of Mera in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State and Tangaza in Sokoto State have commended the military’s efforts against the Lakurawa group in their communities.

Residents who spoke with our correspondent acknowledged the military’s success in its ongoing campaign against the terror group in both states.