The Lakurawa terrorist group has been forced to retreat as a result of intensified ground and air assaults by Nigerian troops, according to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region.
In a report released on Tuesday, Zagazola Makama revealed that the coordinated military offensives targeted Lakurawa camps in Kebbi and Sokoto states, leading to the seizure of livestock—an essential source of income for the group. The operations were carried out in collaboration with the air components of Operation Fansan Yamma and Operation Farautar Mujiya.
“Known for its remote terrain and access to cross-border livestock and grain markets, Borgu has historically provided cover for the group’s operations and trade-based income sources,” the report stated.
The report added that the group’s retreat might signal an attempt to regroup and re-establish revenue streams by exploiting less-monitored border regions.
“Intelligence suggests the group may move further south toward Ilesha Bariba in Kwara State, near the Benin border, where their illicit activities might evade closer scrutiny,” the report said.
As the military operations continue, the publication advised security forces to closely monitor key crossings and market areas in Borgu and Ilesha Bariba, warning that these locations could be used by the terrorists to establish new smuggling routes that would sustain their activities.
