While Nigeria’s security agencies are battling with the menace of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists, there is report of another terrorist group that have settled at the North West of the country
Recall that the Boko Haram terrorists started their activities from the North East city of Maidugur, before they spread to other parts of North West and North Central zones of the country
The Defence Headquarters confirmed on Thursday the emergence of a new terrorists group known as ‘Lukarawas’, exacerbating insecurity in the northwestern part of Nigeria.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba said that the new terror group emerged from the Republic of Niger after the coup that led to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
The DHQ spokesperson explained that the terrorists began incursion into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in Niger Republic.
According to him, before the coup, there were joint border operations with Nigerien security forces, which kept the terrorists at bay.
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” he said.
Buba noted that the group was accommodated by the locals, who initially thought that they meant well for them, adding that they failed to report the movement to the military and security agencies.
He however assured that troops had sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to degrade the terrorists, adding that troops are locating them and eliminating the threat.
He added that the terror group had continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals.
The Sokoto police command similarly confirmed the DHQ statement, saying “an armed group identified as ‘Lakurawas’ is operating in five LGAs of the state.”
Ahmed Rufai, police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the development to Punch.
Rufai said members of the group wield sophisticated weapons and operate in Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illeila, and one other LGA.
“They have been in those areas for some years now. They are armed with weapons and part of their agenda is to impose their own kind of religious practice on the people,
“They even attack suspected bandits in the areas, according to information available to us. They claim to be working against illegalities.”
Recall that the deputy governor of Sokoto state Idris Gonir had earlier raised concerns over the emergence of a criminal group in the state.
Gobir said the group is a faith-based one, adding that security agencies were working to address the threats.
He said, “An assessment carried out indicated that the group possessed sophisticated weapons and their criminal activities were observed in about five local government areas in the state,” Gobir said.
“The sad development is happening at a time the state is grappling with banditry.
“The state government has been working closely with federal security agencies to address numerous security threats to lives and properties of the people of the state
