Court Proscribes Lakurawa Group…Repentant Jihadist Kills 20 Boko Haram Militants…Police Use Ransom as Bait to Rescue Abducted Woman…Nigeria and UK Deepen Ties in Battle Against Insurgency
● Nigerian Court Labels Lakurawa Sect a Terrorist Organization
The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the Lakurawa sect and similar bandit groups in Nigeria as terrorist organizations. Justice James Omotosho issued the ruling on Thursday following an application filed by Nigeria’s chief law enforcement officer, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), local media reported.
The Nigerian government argued that the sect met the criteria for proscription under the country’s Terrorism Act, citing their involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and attacks on government officials and civilians.
Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the government’s prosecution department, stated, “The activities of the Lakurawa sect/group pose a significant threat to national security, public peace, and order in Nigeria.”
Justice Omotosho ordered the ban of the Lakurawa sect and similar groups nationwide, particularly in the Northwest and North-Central regions. He also directed their designation as terrorist organizations to be published in Nigeria’s Official Gazette and in major national newspapers.
● Ex-Boko Haram Ally Takes Down 20 Boko Haram Fighters
Dogo Gide, an ex-Boko Haram fighter, has reportedly killed 20 Boko Haram fighters in Nigeria’s Northwest in an ambush.
In a video shared by Zagazola Makama, Gide displayed the cache of weapons he seized from the slain terrorists, bragging about his victory. Gide and his group were ambushed by the Boko Haram faction led by Sadiku. The clash left Gide’s group with only one casualty while Sadiku lost 20 men.
Gide turned his back on the jihadist group and has been waging war against them since 2023 following the murder of his brother.
To avenge his brother’s death, he has been actively working to drive the terror group out of their strongholds in Shiroro County, Niger State, where he now operates. He repeatedly dismantles Boko Haram’s roadblocks and urges villagers who fled their homes as a result of attacks to return.
● Wife of Retired Police AIG Freed as Kidnappers are Killed
The Nigerian police have reported the successful rescue of Folashade Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, who was abducted by gunmen last week Thursday in Southwest Ogun State.
The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Thursday. The police operatives reportedly used the ₦40 million ($25,706) ransom demanded by the kidnappers as bait, according to Premium Times.
“The operatives encountered the kidnappers, who opened fire. In the ensuing confrontation, two of the gunmen were neutralised, while four others fled the scene, abandoning their operational weapons,” Adejobi stated.
Odumosu was rescued unharmed, and she has been reunited with her family.
● UK Renews Commitment to Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism
The UK Minister of State for Defense, Lord Vernon Coaker, has reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to assisting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and insurgency. Speaking during a visit to the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State capital city, Coaker emphasized the importance of the UK–Nigeria defense partnership.
“Your conflict is our conflict and your security is our security,” Coaker said as quoted by Zagazola Makama, “We are proud to provide training, expertise and equipment to support your efforts.” He highlighted the UK’s contributions, including counter-IED training, equipment provision, and mentorship for establishing a Counter-IED Coordination Cell in the Northeast.
Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, OPHK’s Theatre Commander, expressed gratitude for the UK’s support, describing it as vital for combating insurgency. He commended the UK-backed Counter-IED hub for its role in dismantling insurgent networks.
“This hub, equipped with detection tools, laptops, tactical intelligence kits, and other resources, has been vital in detecting, neutralizing, and disarming IEDs effectively,” he said
What’s News Today? January 24, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
