By ZAKAA LAZARUS.
The Commanding Officer of the 248 Recce Battalion, Illela Unit, Sokoto State, Col. Abdullahi Umar, has revealed that the support from military high command in terms of timely provision of arms and ammunition have helped the troops in defecting the Lakurawa terrorist group operating in the Northwest.
Col. Umar disclosed while briefing Defence Correspondents during a media tour to the 248 Recce Battalion in Illela, a Sokoto State border community with the Niger Republic.
Recce Battalion Commanding Officer, who also oversees the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade, explained that the military high command has been responsive, approving all operational requests and providing necessary logistics without delay to sustain the fight against terrorism and banditry, despite the high cost of maintaining an armoured unit.
“When the Chief of Army Staff visited this unit after his appointment, he ensured we received everything we requested. Our needs were met, and the GOC 8 Division continues to provide the necessary logistics to keep our operations running,” Col. Umar said.
He explained that while the Lakurawa terrorists were originally a trained militia group formed under former Nigerien Head of State Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara to protect communities from cattle rustlers from Mali, their threat within Nigerian territory has been overstated.
Col. Umar said prior to the Unit’s deployment five months ago, Lakurawa posed a growing threat to residents of border communities in Binji, Gada, Gudu, Illela, Silame, and Tangaza Local Government Areas. However, after 10 to 15 clearance operations, the group’s activities have significantly diminished.
“We have degraded the group. They are now constantly on the run and lack the capacity to launch significant attacks,” he stated.
He also highlighted the effective collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien forces at the border. According to him, both sides maintain constant communication during operations to prevent terrorists from escaping through border communities.
Col. Umar expressed concern that the Lakurawa gained strength in Nigerian border communities partly due to local acceptance. He said the group initially used religious appeals, shared language, and monetary incentives to win the trust of residents.
“They started recruiting young people and engaged in cattle rustling to sustain their operations. It was only when the consequences became clear that residents began raising alarms,” he said, condemning the cooperation of locals with terror groups, which he noted hampers military efforts.
Col. Umar further lamented the impact of misinformation on military operations, noting that exaggerated and unverified reports often cause public panic and embolden terror groups.
He cited the long-standing conflict between Hausa farmers and Fulani herdsmen as one of the underlying factors contributing to misinformation and tension in the region.
