Lakurawa Insurgency and Operation Fasan Yanma: A Campaign to Reclaim Northwestern Nigeria

By Our Reporter

The Lakurawa terrorist group, operating under the guise of peace, quietly infiltrated communities in Nigeria’s North-West before launching a brutal campaign of terror. Initially welcomed as benign settlers, they quickly imposed levies, instigated kidnappings, and sowed fear across villages in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states. In response, the Nigerian Armed Forces launched a reorganized offensive under the banner of Operation Fasan Yanma (OPFY), led by the Major General Ibikunle Ajose.

To regain control of occupied areas, the military established new Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) strategically located across key hotspots. These outposts served as command points for coordinated counterterrorism operations. The operation covers a vast terrain, with threat zones identified by military leadership, including Talata Mafara, Gusau, Anka, Tsafe, Maru, Tangaza, Goru, Sabon Birni, Isa, Buni Gwari, Chikun, Bakori, Shiroro, Machika, and Kagarko—areas long plagued by banditry and inter-communal violence.

Major General Ajose, commanding officer of the 8 Division under OPFY, led an aggressive counteroffensive that successfully dislodged the Lakurawa terrorists from several strongholds. His approach combined kinetic (military force) and non-kinetic (civil-military relations and dialogue) strategies. Under his command, villagers were freed from extortionate levies, and agricultural clusters were formed to facilitate secure farming activities, supported by military farm patrols. Field clinics were also established in military barracks to provide healthcare services to both soldiers and civilians.

General Ajose’s efforts were bolstered by reinforcements from the Theatre Command in Abuja, along with coordinated support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Their combined presence was crucial in disrupting terrorist encampments and rescuing civilians from captivity.

In Gusau, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, commander of Brigade 1 (nicknamed “Red Scorpion”), known for his brutal engagement with the terrorist, spearheaded non-kinetic engagements with village heads, local vigilantes, and Fulani herders. These dialogues led to the release of over 100 kidnapped victims. He emphasized that the success of such negotiations was made possible by the groundwork laid by General Ajose, whose forces had already weakened the terrorists through fierce gun battles despite facing superior enemy firepower.

The military also implemented a five-point stabilization agenda, aimed at:

Ensuring safe passage for travelers,

Reducing cattle rustling,

Mediating ethnic tensions,

Facilitating the return of displaced persons,

Rebuilding community trust in government forces.

However, challenges remain. In Tsafe, Katsina State, the local FOB commander reported resistance from villagers to military agricultural guidelines—specifically, planting low crops at least 200 meters from main roads to ensure visibility and prevent ambushes. Non-compliance with these directives unfortunately resulted in avoidable casualties.

Despite setbacks, community feedback has been largely positive. During a visit by the Defence Media Team, locals expressed appreciation for the military’s efforts, acknowledging initial mistrust and lack of cooperation from some quarters. They credited the presence of soldiers with enabling them to rebuild their homes and return to their daily livelihoods.

Still, the villagers appealed to state authorities for the provision of essential services such as healthcare, education, and job creation. Many stressed the need for development programs to stabilize the region and prevent a relapse into lawlessness.

Regional Context:
The North-West region of Nigeria has long been vulnerable to insecurity stemming from a complex blend of poverty, ethnic conflict, climate-induced migration, and weak state presence. Zamfara, in particular, has been a hotspot for illegal mining and armed banditry, while Katsina and Sokoto have witnessed repeated mass abductions and communal clashes. The introduction of structured military-civil operations under OPFY marks a significant attempt to reverse the tide of instability and restore long-term peace to these troubled areas.