The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has issued an alert on the formation of a new terrorist group known as “Lukarawas,” now operating in the northwestern regions of Nigeria, especially in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The announcement came from the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Maj. Gen. Buba, this emerging group originated in the neighboring Republic of Niger after the recent military coup, which severely impacted regional security cooperation.
The political unrest in Niger has given the Lukarawas an opportunity to exploit the weakened border controls, moving into Nigerian territories from Niger and Mali.
He said, “The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions into remote areas in some north-western states to spread their ideology.
“The terrorists were initially welcomed by locals who believed they had good intentions. However, the movement was not reported to the military and security agencies.”
Armed with advanced weaponry, the Lukarawas have reportedly been enforcing their beliefs on residents, particularly in Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illela, and another nearby area.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed that the military is actively tracking and monitoring the group using Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) measures. Efforts are ongoing to locate and neutralize the threat, focusing on areas where the group is known to hide.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Sokoto State Command of the Nigerian Police, have also verified the presence of this new group and are working alongside the military to address the threat.
