New Terror Group ‘Lukarawas’ Emerges in Northwest Nigeria, Defence Headquarters Confirms.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terror group known as ‘Lukarawas,’ which has begun activities in the Northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi, worsening security issues in the region.
In a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated that the group, affiliated with Sahel-based terrorist networks, entered Nigeria from Mali and Niger.
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He highlighted that this emergence follows the recent military coup in Niger, which disrupted cross-border security cooperation.
Despite the presence of the Lukarawas group, Buba emphasized that Nigerian forces are actively working to contain their activities.
Additionally, the military announced that nine terrorists have been declared wanted for their involvement in the country’s ongoing security challenges.
What is Lukarawas group?
The Lukarawas group is a newly emerged terrorist organization operating in the Northwest region of Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states12. They have taken advantage of recent political instability in neighboring Niger to establish themselves in these areas.
Goals and Agenda
The group’s primary goals include:
- Spreading Extremist Ideology: They aim to propagate their extremist beliefs and recruit new members, especially in remote and under-governed areas.
- Exploiting Political Instability: They capitalize on political instability and weakened security cooperation to expand their influence.
- Intimidating Local Populations: They engage in activities that intimidate and control local communities, often exploiting the lack of strong governmental presence.
Islamic Agenda
While specific details about the Lukarawas group’s Islamic agenda are not widely documented, it is likely that, similar to other extremist groups, they seek to impose their interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia) and establish a state governed by their religious principles. This often involves targeting both governmental structures and local populations to enforce their ideology.