A new terrorist group known as ‘Lukarawas’ has emerged, worsening insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, according to the Defence Headquarters.

Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Thursday during a military briefing in Abuja.

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Buba reported that the Lukarawas group, believed to have originated from the Republic of Niger, began operating in Nigeria after the recent coup in Niger disrupted joint security efforts.

With border patrols between Nigerian and Nigerien forces halted, the group made inroads into northern Sokoto and Kebbi States, using rugged border areas between Niger and Mali to establish a foothold.

“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some northwestern states to spread their ideology,” Maj.-Gen. Buba said.

Local communities initially welcomed the group, unaware of its motives, and failed to report their activities to authorities, according to Buba.

The military, however, has intensified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in an effort to curb the group’s growing influence and protect vulnerable regions.

The Lukarawas group is said to be hiding in remote, under-governed areas, making it difficult for security forces to track and eliminate them.

Despite these challenges, Maj.-Gen. Buba assured that the military is focused on dismantling the group’s presence and restoring stability in affected regions.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has declared a-three-day mourning period for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.

Consequently, Gov Adeleke directed the flags should be flown at half-mast during the period.

Osun State’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in making the disclosure, made it known that Condolence Registers have also been opened at the government house and Governor’s office for the condolence messages of the people of Osun.

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According to the Alimi, the death of the late COAS is devastating, a colossal loss to humanity and the nation, and “we can’t forget him”.

The government is sad at this irreparable loss of one of the Glory of Osun state, and we particularly condole with the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, the Olobu of Ilobu and everyone, he added.

The mourning period is to start today Thursday November 7, 2024 and end on Saturday 9th, while the Condolence Register is for people to pen down their memories of him, for the immortality of the late COAS, who died at age 56.

Once again, we pray God repose the soul of late Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, and grant him Aljanna Firdaus Ameen.

With the conclusion of the United States’ 2024 elections, on November 5, which saw the historic re-election of the Republican flagbearer, Donald Trump, former president, Barack Obama has congratulated the winner.

In the congratulatory note, published on his socials late on Wednesday, Obama made it clear that it was about putting the country above personal or party interests.

He had kind words for his Democrat comrades, “Michelle and I could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz – two extraordinary public servants”.

The Afro-American president of the US noted that problems will always be part of humanity, the US being no exception but that these problems are solvable by keeping faith with the constitution, in addition to cooperation, communication between the leaders and the led.

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According to him, “The good news is that these problems are solvable – but only if we listen to each other, and only if we abide by the core constitutional principles and democratic norms that made this country great.

“In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won’t always see eye-to-eye on everything. But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace – even to people with whom we deeply disagree.”

Obama wrote, “Over the last few weeks and through Election Day, millions of Americans cast their votes – not just for president, but for leaders at every level. Now the results are in, and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory.

“This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues. But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.

“Michelle and I could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz – two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign. And we will always be grateful to the staff and volunteers who poured their heart and soul into electing public servants they truly believed in.

“As I said on the campaign trail, America has been through a lot over the last few years – from a historic pandemic and price hikes resulting from the pandemic, to rapid change and the feeling a lot of folks have that, no matter how hard they work, treading water is the best they can do. Those conditions have created headwinds for democratic incumbents around the world, and last night showed that America is not immune.

“The good news is that these problems are solvable – but only if we listen to each other, and only if we abide by the core constitutional principles and democratic norms that made this country great.

“In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won’t always see eye-to-eye on everything. But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace – even to people with whom we deeply disagree. That’s how we’ve come this far, and it’s how we’ll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free.”