-Godwin Orozo, ABUJA – A new terrorist group known as ‘Lukarawas’ has surfaced in north-western Nigeria, further complicating the region’s security landscape, according to the Defence Headquarters.
The group is reportedly exploiting recent political and military upheavals in neighboring Niger to establish a presence in Nigeria.
Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the group’s emergence in a briefing on Thursday, explaining that the Lukarawas entered Nigeria from Niger following the recent coup there.
“The breakdown in military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger has reportedly allowed the group to establish a foothold in parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states,” Buba stated.
Before the coup, Nigeria and Niger had collaborated on joint border operations to secure these vulnerable regions. However, Buba noted that the disruption in cross-border coordination has created openings that the Lukarawas are now exploiting.
“The group has moved into remote, under-governed areas where the challenging terrain and limited governance make it difficult for security forces to operate,” he said.
The Lukarawas reportedly found initial acceptance from local communities, who may have misunderstood their intentions and did not alert authorities to their presence. Buba revealed that the terrorists have used these remote areas to evade military forces while intimidating locals and promoting their ideology.
Despite the obstacles, Buba assured that the military is working diligently to curb the group’s influence through intensified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts.
“Nigerian troops are gradually locating and neutralizing the threat, increasing efforts to protect civilians from Lukarawas harassment and restore stability to affected areas,” he added.
