In northwestern Nigeria, a new militant group called Lakurawa has begun to retreat under coordinated ground and air strikes by the military, which recently targeted the group’s camps in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
The intensified military response came after a deadly attack by the Lakurawa group on Mera village in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area, where 17 people lost their lives.
Following this incident, army headquarters deployed additional troops to the area.
Upon reaching Birnin Kebbi, the soldiers met with Kebbi’s Deputy Governor, Abubakar Umar Tafida, before advancing to Mera.
According to Abdullahi Idris Zuru, the media aide to the Kebbi governor, the troops managed to drive out the militants and recover numerous cattle stolen during the attack.
Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris requested federal support to address the escalating violence from armed groups destabilizing rural communities.
His administration is committed to ensuring the security of residents, prompting him to call for intervention at the national level, Zuru stated.
In Abuja, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu expressed optimism that the Lakurawa group, which has instilled fear in parts of the northwest, will soon be expelled from Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu vowed to eliminate the group from the country.
He also noted that Boko Haram, once a formidable presence in Nigeria, is now on the retreat and shifting to neighbouring regions as Nigeria becomes less viable for their operations.
Ribadu also pointed to signs of economic recovery, noting an increase in crude oil production, now at 1.8 million barrels per day, and financial reforms led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which he says is now closely regulated.
He affirmed the administration’s commitment to national progress, stressing that President Tinubu is dedicated to addressing the country’s challenges.