By JOHN NWOKOCHA, in Sokoto
The Nigerian military has highlighted the importance of non-kinetic approach in combating terrorism in the country.
In a direct reference to the use of the non-kinetic in the fight against terrorists in the northwest region of Nigeria, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Commander Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, OPFY, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose stated that non-kinetic operation has led to the rescue of over 100 hostages in Katsina state.
The GOC said this was achieved between April 1 2025 and May.
Gen Ajose who spoke at Headquarters of 8 Division/ Sector 2 in Sokoto state, while briefing Defence Correspondents from Abuja on the successes recorded by the military in the fight against terror in the Northwest, said strategic engagements with the Fulani and Hausa communities in the state led to the unconditional release of the kidnapped victims.
Additionally, the engagements have led some bandits and terrorists to declare readiness to lay down their arms and surrendering to the military.
Addressing concerns over the Lakurawa sect threats in the region, Maj.-Gen. Ajose said that the troops have continued to curtail the criss-crossing of the Lakurawa group into Nigeria through engagement with the locals in the border communities.
He said, “We have destroyed their camps in Sokoto and Kebbi State”.
Furthermore, the GOC explained, “Because it is a mobile terror group, they moved between Nigeria and Niger Republic, but we are working with our Nigerien counterpart so that they don’t give them breathing space.
“In the communities we have a lot of presence, we were able to win the trust of the people and they provide us with information about the movement of this group,” he said.
“But we have problems where we don’t have a constant presence. This means that we just go into those communities when there are problems and we leave. In these communities we won’t be able to win the people’s trust. And this is where the state government must come in.
The GOC commended the troops for their gallantry and pledges to continue to prioritize their welfare.
The correspondents were in the Northwest as part of the Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) plans to give journalists firsthand information on the theatre of operation, and to better inform the general public.
