A new terrorist group, known as “Lukarawas,” has surfaced in North-West Nigeria, exacerbating insecurity in the region, according to Maj.-General Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations.
At a media briefing on Thursday, Buba said the group originated from the Republic of Niger following a coup that disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
The terrorists have been making incursions into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in the Niger Republic.
“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,” he said.
Prior to the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces had kept the terrorists at bay.
However, the breakdown in cooperation created gaps that the terrorists exploited to spread their ideology in remote areas.
The Lukarawas group has been taking advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide, evade troops, and harass locals.
Initially, the group was accommodated by locals who thought they meant well but failed to report their movements to the military and security agencies.
This allowed the terrorists to establish a foothold in the region.
Buba assured that troops have sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to degrade the terrorists.
The military is actively locating and eliminating the threat, restoring security in the affected areas.
The emergence of Lukarawas highlights the growing concern of terrorist groups exploiting regional instability.
The Boko Haram insurgency, which has plagued Nigeria for years, demonstrates the devastating impact of such groups.
Buba noted that the Nigerian military remains committed to combating terrorism and ensuring national security.
The ongoing operations against Lukarawas and other terrorist groups aim to protect civilians and restore peace in the region.
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