Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Acting Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), has arrived in Sokoto State for his maiden operational visit to the 8th Division Area of Responsibility, amid the emergence of a new terror group known as Lakurawa.

Oluyede is expected to visit the Sultan of Sokoto and meet with relevant stakeholders within the division’s operational area. He will also take the opportunity to address troops involved in Operation Fasan Yamma, which is focused on combating terrorism in the northwest region.

This visit follows the confirmation from the Defence Headquarters three days ago regarding the emergence of Lakurawa, a new terror group in Sokoto and Kebbi states. The group is currently active in five local government areas of Sokoto.

READ ALSO:Nigeria military mourns CoAS Lagbaja

Defence Media Operations spokesman, Major General Edward Buba, noted that Lakurawa is contributing to the rising insecurity in the North-West, but assured that the Nigerian Armed Forces are already taking measures to contain the threat.

He explained, “Troops are confronted with a new terrorist sect in the North-West. This sect is known as Lakuwaras, affiliated with terrorists in the Sahel, particularly from Mali and Niger Republic.”

General Buba further explained that the group entered northern Nigeria through Sokoto and Kebbi states, following the recent coup in Niger that disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.

The military has also issued warrants for nine terrorists in connection with ongoing security challenges.