Army Will Crush Lakurawa Bandits, Vows New COAS Gen. Shaibu

The new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Waidi Shaibu, has vowed that the Nigerian Army will deal “decisively” with the newly emerging terrorist group, Lakurawa, responsible for a wave of attacks in parts of northern Nigeria.

Shaibu, who was last week nominated as COAS by President Bola Tinubu, made the declaration during his appearance at the Senate for screening on Wednesday, where he detailed his military experience and outlined his strategic priorities for restoring security across the country.

“The Army will deal decisively with the new bandit group known as Lakurawa,” he said. “It requires a whole-of-society approach. While security is not cheap, we will ensure effective management of available resources.”

The Army General assured lawmakers that under his command, the military would intensify operations against insurgents and bandits, drawing from past lessons in counterterrorism.

Recalling his field experience, Shaibu noted that he had played key roles in counterinsurgency operations in Borno State, where he helped secure significant victories against Boko Haram insurgents.

“We defeated Boko Haram insurgents in 2015, and a significant number of terrorists surrendered during my tenure,” he told the Senate.

“We leveraged technology to improve operations, and for the past five years, I have been deeply involved in missions that led to the decimation of many terrorist elements.”

Gen. Shaibu also emphasised the importance of troops’ welfare and career development, saying these would be central to his leadership vision for the Army.

The Senate screening session concluded with lawmakers asking the Army chief to “take a bow and leave,” after commending his service record.

Major General Shaibu is among the new service chiefs appointed by President Tinubu as part of a broader shake-up in Nigeria’s security architecture. The appointments include Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff (CAS) and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position, according to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.