Nigerian Military Confirms Emergence of ‘Lukarawas’ Terror Group in Northwest Nigeria
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has verified the emergence of a new terrorist faction, known as ‘Lukarawas,’ which has infiltrated Northwest Nigeria. The group’s activities are compounding security concerns across the region, according to Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.
During a briefing in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Buba disclosed that the ‘Lukarawas’ began operating in northern Nigeria following the recent political upheaval in the Republic of Niger. The coup in Niger, which disrupted security alliances between Nigeria and Niger, created an opening that the Lukarawas group has exploited to move into the border areas.
“The terrorists capitalized on weakened security collaboration and challenging terrains to infiltrate remote areas of Nigeria’s northwest,” Buba said. He confirmed that the incursion has primarily impacted northern Sokoto and Kebbi states, as members of the group crossed into Nigeria from the Niger-Mali axis.
Initial Local Support Misguided
According to Maj.-Gen. Buba, the Lukarawas group initially received support from local communities, who misinterpreted the group’s intentions. “The locals believed the group had peaceful motives and offered them shelter, unknowingly aiding their establishment in these territories,” he explained. However, the group soon revealed its militant agenda, creating a security risk in the affected areas.
Military’s Response Strategy
To counter the rising threat, the Nigerian military has ramped up Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to detect and dismantle the Lukarawas network. The Defence Headquarters noted that the group is exploiting Nigeria’s under-governed territories in the northwest, allowing them to evade security forces and destabilize local populations.
“These terrorists are leveraging vast, sparsely governed areas to avoid detection and harass local communities,” Maj.-Gen. Buba added.
Background: The Niger Coup and Border Instability
On July 26, 2023, a military coup in Niger led to the arrest of President Mohamed Bazoum, as factions within Niger’s armed forces seized control. This power shift resulted in the suspension of the country’s constitution and the installation of a military junta. Prior to the coup, Nigeria and Niger maintained robust security cooperation, particularly along their shared borders, to counter terrorist activity. However, the breakdown in this partnership has allowed groups like the Lukarawas to take advantage of security lapses along the Niger-Nigeria border.
The Nigerian military remains committed to addressing the security challenge posed by Lukarawas, with intensified surveillance and counterterrorism measures underway in affected areas.
Key Takeaways:
- The Lukarawas terrorist group has infiltrated Nigeria’s Northwest, particularly Sokoto and Kebbi states.
- The group took advantage of weakened security cooperation due to Niger’s recent coup.
- Initial local support was given to the group, as communities misunderstood its intentions.
- The Nigerian military is intensifying ISR operations to locate and neutralize Lukarawas elements
