The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group, known as ‘Lukarawas,’ intensifying insecurity in Northwestern Nigeria.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced this while addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja about the military’s ongoing operations.
According to Maj.-Gen. Buba, the new group emerged from the Republic of Niger following the coup, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
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He explained that the terrorists began entering northern Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali regions, particularly after the coup in Niger. Before the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien forces had effectively contained the terrorists.
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” he said.
Mr. Buba explained that the group had initially been welcomed by local residents, who believed they had good intentions. However, the community did not report the group’s activities to the military and security agencies.
He assured that the troops have intensified Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to weaken the terrorists.
He further noted that the terror group continued exploiting the vast under-governed areas to evade troops, conceal themselves, and harass local residents.
According to him, the troops are actively tracking down the terrorists and neutralizing the threat.
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