In a concerning development for security in Nigeria’s Northwest, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas.’
This group has begun making its presence felt in the region, adding to the security challenges faced by local communities.
During a press briefing held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that the Lukarawas group began operations in northern Nigeria due to recent instability in neighboring Niger Republic.
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The coup in Niger disrupted the security collaboration between the two countries, creating weak spots along the border that Lukarawas has exploited to enter remote areas within Sokoto and Kebbi states.
“The terrorists took advantage of the breakdown in cooperation and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions into some Northwestern states, where they aim to spread their ideology,” Buba stated.
Buba revealed that local communities initially welcomed members of the Lukarawas group, believing them to be peaceful.
This initial support unintentionally enabled the group to establish itself. “The locals thought the group meant well for them,” Buba explained, emphasizing that this misunderstanding allowed the terrorists to settle and build connections within these areas.
In response, the Nigerian military has intensified its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations across affected regions to track and eliminate members of the Lukarawas group.
The military’s efforts are focused on neutralizing the group’s influence, which has grown due to the vast, ungoverned territories in the Northwest that allow the terrorists to evade troops and terrorize locals.
“The terror group has continued to take advantage of these vast, under-governed areas to hide and evade troops, while harassing local populations,” Buba stated.
As the Nigerian military doubles down on efforts to prevent further infiltration, authorities urge local residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities
