The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group, known as “Lukarawas,” operating in the northwestern region of Nigeria.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this development during a military operations briefing held Thursday in Abuja.
According to Maj. Gen. Buba, the Lukarawas group emerged from the Republic of Niger following a recent coup that disrupted military cooperation between Niger and Nigeria.
The instability allowed terrorists to infiltrate Sokoto and Kebbi states from Niger and Mali, particularly after the cessation of joint border operations previously maintained by the two countries.
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions into remote areas in some northwestern states to spread their ideology,” Buba said.
He noted that locals initially accepted the group’s presence, unaware of their intentions, and did not report the activity to military or security agencies.
The DHQ spokesperson assured the public that troops are conducting sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to weaken the group.
While the terrorists exploit ungoverned areas to evade detection, troops are actively locating and neutralizing the threat.
In a related development, the Sokoto State Command of the Nigerian Police Force confirmed the presence of the Lukarawas group in five local government areas, including Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illela, and another unspecified location.
The group, reportedly armed with advanced weaponry, has been imposing its beliefs on local communities.
Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Command, disclosed this information, highlighting the group’s efforts to influence residents in the affected areas.
This confirmation of the Lukarawas’ presence underscores the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s northwestern region and highlights the need for renewed cooperation to address cross-border threats.
