The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the presence of a new terror group, known as “Lukarawas,” operating in the northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that this group is contributing to rising insecurity in the region but assured that the Armed Forces are actively working to contain the threat.
“Troops are confronted with a new terrorist sect in the North-West,” General Buba said. “This sect is known as Lukarawas, and they are affiliated with terrorists in the Sahel, particularly from Mali and Niger Republic. They began incursion into the northern part of Nigeria, mainly in Sokoto and Kebbi states, entering from the Niger and Mali axis.”
General Buba explained that the Lukarawas emerged after the recent coup in Niger, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and its neighboring country.
In response to escalating violence, the military has also declared nine terrorists wanted, holding them responsible for contributing to the nation’s ongoing security challenges.
This development highlights growing concerns over cross-border terrorism in the region, as Nigeria’s armed forces face the task of securing borders amid instability in nearby Sahel countries.
