LAKURAWA TERROR GROUP: THE EMERGENCE OF ANOTHER BOKO HARAM?

On November 7th, the Nigerian Defence HQ confirmed a new terrorist group in northwestern Nigeria. Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, of Defence HQ Media Ops, identified the terrorists as a group from Niger after a military coup there. Within 48 hours of the military announcement, the group attacked Mera town in Augie Local Government, Kebbi State, killing at least 15 people. The Lukarawa terror group originates from Niger State, with members across Libya, Mali, and Niger. They were only able to gain access to Nigeria through the borders shared with Niger due to the weak border security caused by the coup in Niger.

The terror group has been reported to have existed in Nigeria for almost six years now, gaining entrance into the country as far back as 2018. Some elders in the communities invited them to help with banditry. After defeating the bandits, they settled in the communities and tried to impose Sharia law on the locals. In 2019, the Nigerian military joined forces with the Department of State Services and sent them packing through an operation. Today, we are witnessing in real time the resurgence of a deadly extremist group right before our eyes. In 2023, Sani Yakubu, a member of the Sokoto State House of Representatives, raised concerns about a terror group in his constituency during a session. He said the terror group had allied with the bandits they were sent to fight. This terrorized the area and made it hard for the security forces to restore order.

This terror group is not much different from Boko Haram. Both are faith-based groups, sharing similar beliefs. They seek to uphold the teachings of Islam wherever they can perpetrate. They have attempted to impose sharia law in communities where they operate. Eyewitnesses in Sokoto report that the Lakurawa terror group has drones and advanced weapons. They conduct coordinated attacks on government officials. They claim that their fight is against the government. The group is hiding in Tsuani forest, between Kebbi and Sokoto. The Nigerian military is trying to flush them out.