The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Monday, assured Nigerians that the Lukarawa terror group would “soon be a thing of the past,” citing ongoing joint operations with the armies of neighbouring countries.

Oluyede stated this while addressing State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

“We are hitting them hard at the Nigerian end, and once you hit them hard here, they tend to flee to the Niger Republic. Now that Niger Republic is coming on board, that means very soon, Lukarawa will be a thing of the past,” he said.

Oluyede highlighted the importance of collaboration with neighbouring countries to tackle the cross-border threat posed by the group.

“We need to work together with neighbouring countries because these issues affect them too. By cooperating, we can address the threat more effectively,” he added.

The Lukarawa group emerged around 2016 or 2017 in Sokoto State as a self-defence militia initiated by local leaders to combat banditry. However, it evolved into a radical faction, imposing strict religious laws and exerting control over local communities.

The group’s activities have expanded into Kebbi State, with notable attacks, including a deadly operation in November 2024 in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area, resulting in multiple deaths and cattle theft.

The Defence Headquarters has classified Lukarawa as a terrorist group with affiliations to extremist elements from Mali and Niger, worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s northwestern region. The group has disrupted local governance, sidelined traditional rulers, and recruited youths by offering financial incentives of up to N1m.

Oluyede, who was recently appointed Chief of Army Staff, said his visit to the Villa was to brief the President on his security strategy.

“I am here to reassure Mr. President that I will do my best to make Nigeria better in terms of security. I intend to adopt a different approach to achieve significant results,” he said.

Reflecting on his visits to theatres of operation in the northwest and northeast, Oluyede stated that he had encouraged troops to intensify efforts to eliminate insecurity.

“I spoke with my officers and soldiers to emphasize the need to end all forms of insecurity in Nigeria. I made it clear that I intend to do things differently and expect better results going forward,” he stated.

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