Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of army staff (COAS), says the Nigerian Army is determined to end the reigns of the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The group gained notoriety after launching a series of brutal attacks on some communities in the north-west.
Recently, the group attacked Mera village in Kebbi state, killing over 15 people and injuring many.
Speaking to the State House correspondents in Abuja on Monday, Oluyede said the army is already hitting members of the terrorist group harder, forcing them to flee to neighbouring countries.
He said there is a need for collaboration with neighbouring countries like the Niger Republic and Chad to end the activities of the terror group.
“We are hitting them hard at the Nigerian end. Once you hit them hard here, they will flee to the Niger Republic,” the army chief said.
“Now that Niger is coming on board, it means very soon Lakurawa will be a thing of the past.”
He said the joint border patrols, initiated on December 8, are crucial for restricting the movement of the terrorists, adding that the army is planning to deploy additional military personnel to affected areas, including Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Oluyede also highlighted how desperation led some community members to join the terrorist group, saying, “they lured locals with financial incentives and agricultural support.”
“I actually visited two formations, that is, the one in the north-west; A division, and the theatre operations in the north-east,” he said.
“Basically, I was there to speak with my officers and soldiers and to make them realise that there is a need to end all forms of insecurity in Nigeria.
“And I made bold to tell them that I want things done differently and I expect better results going forward.”
The COAS said the army will get results that will make Nigeria better.
