The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on the residents of Gongono Masallachi in Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State, to support the Nigerian Army’s efforts to safeguard the country’s territory.
Oluyede, who was on operational tour to Sokoto State on Sunday, said the Nigerian Army believed that community support was crucial to its success.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us; the soldiers are your brothers, friends, and fellow Nigerians. Support us, and inform us when there are any challenges.
“I want to assure you that all the soldiers here are for you. Please notify them of any security threats or unusual activity.
“We know there will always be challenges, but the question is how we respond to them,” he said.
The acting army chief explained that one of the purposes of his visit was to assess the readiness of the troops and to encourage them to rise to the challenges they face.
“I urge you to support us, because without your cooperation, we cannot succeed, and Nigeria itself cannot be secured.
“We need Nigeria to be secured so that we can all share in its prosperity,” Oluyede stated.
During his visit, the acting COAS also stopped at the Illela border community, where he met with security officers and inspected the new military barracks under construction.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that for over a decade, a mysterious group known as Lakurawa had been periodically appearing in villages across the state, particularly in Tangaza, Gudu, Gwadabawa, Binji and Illela LGAs.
The group, which is reportedly composed of foreigners, is said to be communicating in languages such as Arabic, Hausa, Fulfulde, and Zabarmanci.
Past government and security operations forced them to vacate these areas; however, recent reports revealed that the group reappeared in some villages in Tangaza and Gudu local government areas.
Although the purpose of Lakurawa remained unclear, reports suggested that the group, armed with sophisticated weapons, had engaged in clashes with security personnel, and wields influence over local community decisions. (NAN)