X-raying military’s successes and challenges in tackling terrorism in Northwestern Nigeria
By Trek Africa Newspaper
A recent on-the-ground tour to the North-Western part of Nigeria has provided a unique insight into the Nigerian military’s successes against the notorious Lakurawas Sect and other bandits in the region.
The tour, which covered several security-exposed villages in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states, revealed the military’s unwavering commitment to taming the security threats in the region.
The team of Defence Correspondents, led by Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar, visited various military formations, including the Headquarters 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Headquarters Operation FANSAM YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, Headquarters 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Katsina State, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tanzaga, a border community with Niger Republic in Sokoto State, among others.
The team also interacted with top military officers, including Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division Nigerian Army, Commander 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General BO Omopariola and Commander 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum.
While interacting with the GOC 8 Division and Commander sector 2 Operation FANSAM YAMMA, Brigadier General Ajose, said the Nigerian military has made significant strides in combating the Lakurawas Sect and other bandits.
He averred that troops of the Division have depleted the Lakurawas Sect and neutralized other bandit groups, destroying their enclaves and recovering arms and ammunition.
He noted that the recent deployment of a Special Operations Brigade to Sokoto and Kebbi states by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa would be a game-changer in the fight against terrorism in the region.
This, he said was part of ongoing Operation FOREST SANITY III (CHASELAKURAWAS OUT), aimed at consolidating successes achieved in previous operations and bringing a decisive end to the activities of Lakurawas sect.
The GOC, expressed optimism that the deployment of the Special Operations Brigade would provide an added impetus in frustrating the activities of bandits and restoring normalcy to affected communities in the North West region. He called for enhanced collaboration between the media and the military to curb all security challenges in the country.
During the visit to 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola also highlighted the achievements of the 17 Brigade, which has conducted several operations that have contributed to the degradation of terrorist activities in Katsina.
He noted that despite facing enormous challenges, including a shortage of manpower and limited operational resources, the Brigade has continually conducted operations across 34 local governments in Katsina State and its adjoining states.
The Commander noted that over 50 bandit groups with varying affiliations, agendas, and tactics are operating in the state, but the brigade remains undeterred and continues to work with other security agencies to develop contingencies to deal with emerging threats.
According to him, the Brigade has dominated its Area of Responsibility (AOR), ensuring a secure environment for locals to carry out their socio-economic activities without fear of threats. Brigadier General Omopariola solicited the Army Headquarters to provide additional fighting vehicles, artillery ammunition, protective gear, and support weapons to curb banditry in Katsina State.
In a recent interview with the Commander 1 Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to rooting out terrorism in the North West region. General Opurum highlighted the intensified military operations that have significantly weakened terrorist groups in the region.
He averred that terrorists in the region are becoming increasingly desperate, resorting to the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as a last-ditch effort to inflict harm.
He, however, said the Nigerian Army remains resolute, stating, “The terrorists are feeling the heat. Their use of IEDs is a sign of defeat, but it has not deterred us. We will keep pushing until we clear them from the entire North West.”
General Opurum also issued a stern warning to those yet to surrender, emphasizing the military’s successful neutralization of key terrorist leaders.
He underscored the importance of collaboration between the military, government, and local communities in combating insecurity, noting that “security is like a three-legged stool. The military, the government, and the people must all work together. Without this balance, true security is unattainable.”
On operational successes, General Opurum said the operations have resulted in the neutralization of many terrorists, destruction of their camps, recovery of weapons, and rescue of kidnapped victims. He also noted that the military has made significant progress in dominating its Area of Responsibility (AOR), ensuring a secure environment for locals to carry out their socio-economic activities without fear of threats.
During the tour, the team also visited the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Tanzaga, where they interacted with Captain Martins Megamu, the base commander. Captain Megamu provided insight into the operational challenges faced by the military in combating terrorism. He noted that the military faces a lot of sympathizers and informants who usually inform the terrorists about their patrols and whereabouts.
Additionally, Captain Megamu stated that the locals often allow the terrorists to marry their women, creating a relationship that makes it difficult for the military to identify and flush out the terrorists.
Despite these challenges, he maintained that the military remains committed to rooting out terrorism in the North-West region.
The tour also revealed the progress made in infrastructure development, particularly road construction, which is crucial for improving security in the region.
The team observed that the hitherto deserted Sheme –Kankara –Katsina Road, in Katsina State, where all communities and markets along the area suffered isolation and abandonment due to habitual attacks and killings by bandits, is gradually becoming busy with vehicular and human movements, with commercial activities also resuming in full force.
The team also interacted with the commuters and the locals, where they all lauded the efforts of the military noting that life is gradually returning to their areas.
Enugu Reporters noted that this development is a testament to the military’s efforts in securing the region and restoring normalcy to the affected communities.
As the military continues to push forward in its fight against terrorism, it is clear that their unwavering commitment and sacrifices will ultimately lead to a more stable and secure environment for the people of the North-West region.
