Nigerian Army Collaborates with Niger Republic to Combat Lukarawa Terror Group

By Ekpenyong Emmanuel

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, announced on Monday that the Nigerian Armed Forces are partnering with Niger Republic to dismantle the Lukarawa terror group operating in the North-West region.

After meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Gen. Oluyede explained that cross-border collaboration became necessary as the insurgents often retreat to Niger Republic after being targeted in Nigeria.

He stated, “Well, we have to get in touch with them (Niger Republic) because you know it affects them too. That is why we all need to come on board to tackle them (Lukarawas). We are hitting them hard at the Nigerian end, and what is expected is that once you hit them hard at this end, they will flee to the Niger Republic. So, now that Niger Republic is coming on board, that means very soon, Lukarawas will be a thing of the past.”

During his visit to the president, Gen. Oluyede also sought support for his security initiatives. He emphasized his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s insecurity challenges with innovative strategies, noting that he has already begun touring military formations to communicate his vision to officers and soldiers.

“Well, in a way it’s related to my appointment. I am here to reassure Mr. President that I will do my best to make Nigeria better in terms of security and that I’m going to explore doing this maybe in a different way. I’ll get some other results that will make Nigeria better,” he said.

As part of his efforts, Gen. Oluyede has visited key military formations in the Northwest and Northeast to motivate troops and emphasize the urgency of ending insecurity. He expressed confidence in achieving better outcomes with his new approach.

The collaboration between Nigeria and Niger Republic signifies a united front against the growing threat of cross-border insurgency, with hopes for long-term stability in the affected regions.