DHQ Takes Action Against Lukarawa’s Recruitment Plans

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has raised alarms about the growing activities of the Lukarawa terror group, which has started recruiting to strengthen its forces.  The DHQ confirmed that the military is actively collaborating with state authorities and other security agencies to prevent the group’s expansion, especially in Sokoto and Kebbi states, where it has been operating.  Lukarawa, which has had a presence in northern Nigeria for several years, recently intensified its recruitment drive, particularly targeting local youth through sermons and welfare incentives.  The group is also exploiting social media platforms to spread their message.  Despite these efforts, the DHQ remains vigilant, working alongside other agencies to halt the group’s influence. A former DSS director, Mike Ejiofor, clarified that while the group has been active since 2018, its size is not currently a major national security threat.  However, he urged for continued surveillance and community cooperation to prevent further escalation.  Security expert Timothy Avele echoed this sentiment, revealing that the group’s operations, such as collecting levies and influencing local governance in Kebbi, highlight gaps in intelligence operations. 

Troops Neutralise 31 Terrorists, Detain 81 in One Week Operation -DHQ

The Defence Headquarters says troops of the armed forces have in the last one week neutralised 31 terrorists and apprehended 81 others in various operations across North East, North Central and North West. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Buba said the troops also rescued 10 kidnapped hostages, while a total of 63 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troop across theatres of operation. In the North East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted fighting patrols to Bama and Chibok local government areas of Borno, as well as Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe. Buba said the troops also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, two locally fabricated rifles, three dane guns, 181 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, four magazines, three motorcycles, among other items. He added that the troops neutralised 13 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued five kidnapped persons. In the North Central, he said the troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested five suspects, recovered arms and ammunition, as well as 145 rustled cows during the week. He said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke had On October 1, arrested two IPOB/ESN criminals in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue while on patrol. He stated that the criminals were arrested at the residence of a top herbalist, while the herbalist fled. He added that “troops recovered one body armour and bullet proof vests. “Overall, troops arrested three suspects and recovered two locally fabricated rifles, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, five cutlasses, one body armour, one bullet proof vest and a jack-knife.” In North West, Buba said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised six terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 33 kidnapped persons. He said the troops also recovered four AK47 rifles, two dane guns, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, three motorcycles, five mobile phones, one cutlass and five solar panels. Troops of Operation Whirl Punch also eliminated one terrorist and recovered three AK47 rifles, one AK47 magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm war heads, one cutlass, amongst other items. He stated that the armed forces and citizens are partners in combating common enemy, which are the terrorists and violent extremist groups. “Accordingly, the military, through its operations, continues to prevail against the effects of insurgency and terrorism with an ultimate goal of securing the country against perpetrators of insecurity for national progress,” he said.