The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has arrived in Sokoto for his first operational visit to the 8th Division Area of Responsibility, following reports of increased terrorist activities by a new group, ‘Lakurawa,’ in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

During his visit, General Oluyede will engage with the Sultan of Sokoto and other local leaders and stakeholders, as well as troops involved in Operation Fasan Yamma, the military’s counter-terrorism effort in the northwest.

His visit is coming just days after the Defence Headquarters confirmed the emergence of Lakurawa, a terror group believed to be linked to militants in the Sahel, particularly from Mali and Niger.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, explained that the group’s rise follows recent regional instability and the breakdown of security collaboration between Nigeria and Niger after the recent coup in Niger.

“We’re now facing a new terrorist sect in the northwest region known as Lakurawa. They’ve been identified as affiliates of terror networks in Mali and Niger,” General Buba said. “Their infiltration is centered in northern Nigeria, mainly Sokoto and Kebbi states.”

Five local government areas in Sokoto are reportedly under threat from the group, which has intensified local security challenges.
In response, Nigerian troops have scaled up their operations to contain Lakurawa’s spread, with intensified patrols and surveillance in affected regions.
The military has also released a list of nine individuals wanted in connection with the security issues facing the northwest.

General Oluyede’s visit reaffirms the military’s resolve to combat the rise in terrorism and reinforce security efforts in vulnerable regions. By meeting local leaders and frontline troops, the Acting Army Chief is reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to stabilizing the region and protecting communities from emerging threats.

Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General elections, Peter Obi has expressed grave concern over the escalating incidents of killings, kidnappings, and violent crimes plaguing Nigeria.
In a recent statement, via his X-handle, he highlighted the continuous suffering inflicted by non-state actors, who have left countless families in grief and despair.

Obi specifically condemned the tragic ambush of Supersports TV crew members along the Ihiala-Orlu Road in Anambra State, which resulted in fatalities and the kidnapping of others. “These media practitioners were on their way to fulfill their official duties when this horrific incident occurred,” he stated, mourning the loss of life.

He also referenced a recent attack in Agatu local government area of Benue State, where several individuals were reportedly killed and others injured, further illustrating the rampant violence affecting communities across the nation.

“The violent attacks, many of which go unreported, have come to define our daily existence in what was once a secure nation,” Obi lamented. “We are gradually losing count of those who have fallen victim to this insecurity.”

Obi urged Nigerians to unite in demanding improved security for all citizens, questioning how much longer the nation would tolerate such tragedies.
He extended his condolences to the families affected by these recent attacks and called for a collective effort to ensure the safety of lives and property across Nigeria.

“We are all in this together as a nation,” Obi concluded, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the growing threat of violence.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Kogi State House of Assembly has taken delivery of a Security House donated by the Management of Dangote Cement Plant, Obajana, to boost security of lives and property in and around the Assembly complex.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony on Thursday at the Assembly Complex in Lokoja, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf commended Dangote Cement for the Security House worth millions of Naira.

The Speaker who stressed the importance of security to government and institutions as well as lives and property, said the gesture would go down well in history, saying the company had written its name in gold in the annals of Kogi State.

Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf described the fire incidence that previously razed down the Assembly Complex as unfortunate adding that with the intervention of the state government, the incident has been put behind.

He stated that the security House would go a long way in enhancing the security in and around the Assembly Complex, adding that the gesture would not be taken for granted.

Responding, the Dangote Cement Plant Director, Engr Hazard Nawabudeen described the gesture as one of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiatives towards forging a healthy relationship with host communities.

Nawabudeen who was represented by the General Manager Human Assets, Mr Adeniyi Azeez, also stressed the importance of security, pointing out that interacting with an organisation with a porous security was not safe.

The Plant Director assured that the construction and donation of the facility to the Assembly would not be the end but rather the beginning of more and better relationship for more cooperation and support for and with the state assembly.

He added that the gesture would surely engender a robust mutual relationship between the company and Kogi Assembly.

In his remark, Alhaji Ahmed Chogudo, Clerk of the House and Head of Legislative Service conveyed the gratitude and appreciation of staff and management of the Assembly to Management of Dangote Cement Plant, Obajana.

He however urged the company to look into providing furniture and office facilities for the Security House saying that the request was imperative to facilitate and enhance the effectiveness of the security personnel deployed to the complex. (Ends)