New COAS Shaibu vows to crush ‘Lakurawa’, other terror groups

Newly confirmed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu, has declared total war on the newly emerging terrorist group, Lakurawa, warning that the Nigerian Army will crush every element threatening the nation’s peace.

Shaibu made the declaration on Wednesday during his first address to lawmakers shortly after his confirmation by the Senate at the National Assembly in Abuja.

The Army chief, who was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu, told the senators that the force under his command will adopt a decisive and intelligence-driven approach to eliminate the Lakurawa network and other criminal groups terrorising parts of the North.

“The Nigerian Army will deal decisively with the new bandit group known as Lakurawa,” he vowed. “While security is not cheap, we will ensure effective management of available resources to safeguard our nation.”

Shaibu, who recounted his experience leading counterinsurgency operations in Borno State, said the Army had achieved significant gains against Boko Haram and other terror factions through technology and tactical field coordination.

“We defeated Boko Haram insurgents in 2015, and a significant number surrendered during my tenure,” he said. “For the past five years, I have been deeply involved in missions that led to the decimation of many terrorist elements.”

The new Army Chief said his administration will prioritise troops’ welfare, enhance career development, and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to consolidate national security gains.

He also called for a “whole-of-society” approach to ending insecurity, urging citizens to support military operations through information sharing and community vigilance.

Shaibu’s confirmation came less than an hour after the Senate approved General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, marking the start of a renewed security leadership under President Tinubu’s administration.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the new service chiefs for their years of service, saying the chamber’s swift confirmation reflected confidence in their competence and patriotism.

“We believe these officers have what it takes to move Nigeria out of its current security challenges,” Akpabio said.

Shaibu, who was directed to “take a bow” and assume duty immediately, is expected to meet with other service chiefs in the coming days to unveil a coordinated military strategy to tackle insurgency, banditry, and emerging threats across the country.