New Terror Group Takes Control Of Five LGAs In Sokoto, Collecting Zakat, Levies

A newly emerged terrorist group known as “Lakurawas,” also referred to as Mujahidin, has reportedly seized control over five local government areas in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

The Matrix gathered that the group, operating heavily armed, is reported to be collecting zakat (charitable tax) and other levies from local communities, according to sources.

The affected areas include Tangaza, Gada, Illela, Silame, and Binji. Locals report that the group members communicate in multiple languages, including Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri, Tuba, and English.

They typically arrive on motorcycles, often moving in groups of 10 to 15, leaving some members behind to enforce levy collection, while others continue into nearby communities.

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Those who refuse to pay face threats, including confiscation of livestock.

However, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. Edward Buba, stated that the Lakurawas are linked to ISIS factions in the Sahel region, exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders with Niger and Mali.

He urged citizens to report any suspicious activities, warning of parallels to the early days of Boko Haram. “We are tracking and neutralizing them early on. If you see something, say something. This will prevent it from getting out of hand.”

Gen. Buba highlighted the challenges of border security after the recent coup in Niger, emphasizing that the military is actively working to counter these threats.