The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has ordered the deployment of a Special Operations Brigade to Sokoto and Kebbi States. The mission is part of a broader effort to dismantle the Lakurawa Sect, a self-proclaimed jihadist group causing unrest in the region.
A statement released in Sokoto emphasized that this deployment builds upon the successes of Operation Forest Sanity III, also known as Chase Lakurawas Out. The operation aims to neutralize threats and restore stability in affected areas.
During a Friday briefing with the troops, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2, Operation Fasan Yamma, conveyed instructions from Theatre Commander Major General Oluyinka Soyele.
He urged the troops to dismantle the sect completely while adhering strictly to rules of engagement. “Nigerians are counting on your ability to flush out the sect and restore peace,” he told them.
General Ajose highlighted that the Special Operations Brigade had undergone rigorous preparation for this assignment.
He also praised earlier precursor operations conducted under Operation Fasan Yamma, which successfully targeted sect enclaves in key areas, including Illela, Tangaza, and Binji Local Government Areas. These operations destroyed 22 camps, neutralized several sect members, and recovered weapons such as rifles and ammunition.
