The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group, the ‘Lukarawas,’ now active in Nigeria’s northwestern region, specifically in Sokoto and Kebbi States.
Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, revealed that the group formed in the Republic of Niger following the recent coup, which strained military collaboration between Nigeria and Niger.
The disruption has allowed terrorists to cross borders and infiltrate northern Nigeria from Niger and Mali.
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions into remote areas in some north-western states to spread their ideology. The terrorists were initially welcomed by locals who believed they had good intentions. However, the movement was not reported to the military and security agencies,” Buba explained.
According to him, joint border operations with Nigerien forces, which previously helped control the movement of such groups, have been compromised since the coup.
In response, Nigerian troops are intensifying Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to locate and neutralize these threats.
He added that while the Lukarawas continue to exploit ungoverned territories to hide and impose their beliefs on locals, the military is actively tracking and dismantling their operations.
The Nigerian Police Force’s Sokoto State Command has also acknowledged the group’s presence.
The command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed to PUNCH Online that the sect, armed with sophisticated weapons, has been active in Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illela, and another local government area, spreading its influence among residents.
