Nigerian Army denies leaving Waria Forest
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Leadership
Illustrative image · GwankiThe Nigerian Army denies leaving Waria Forest in Tangaza district after reports that jihadist group Lakurawa was regrouping. Residents want a permanent base, while the army says it is maintaining its positions and has observed no new armed presence, reports Leadership Sunday.
The Nigerian Army denies having left Waria Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State, where residents fear the return of the jihadist group Lakurawa, reports Nigerian daily Leadership. Lieutenant-Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, acting deputy director of public relations for the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, says a unit remains stationed in the forest and operations are continuing.
Residents of border communities reported on Friday that Lakurawa fighters were regrouping around the forest, two weeks after military bombardments of their enclaves. Youth leader Malam Safullahi Bello called for a permanent operating base to be established to prevent the corridor’s reoccupation, according to Leadership.
The army says Operation FANSAN YAMMA, its military operation in the region, is continuing and will prevent the jihadists from regrouping. Waria Forest is considered Lakurawa’s headquarters. The armed group infiltrated the area from routes through Niger and Mali and has established enclaves in several areas of Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi State.
The denial comes after reports published on 30 October that Lakurawa was attempting to retake Waria Forest. The Nigerian Army bombed the group’s positions on 15 October as part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, according to Leadership.
