- · DHQ Declares ‘9 Lakurawas Terrorists’ Wanted
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist faction, known as ‘Lukarawas,’ in the country’s Northwest triggering tension, anxiety and apprehension.
This revelation was made by Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, during a briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba explained that the ‘Lukarawas’ group surfaced in Niger following the recent coup that strained military coordination between Nigeria and Niger.
The group reportedly began infiltrating remote areas in Sokoto and Kebbi States, taking advantage of the disrupted security cooperation and difficult terrains.
Initial cooperation with Niger’s security forces previously kept such threats at bay. However, locals in northern Sokoto reportedly welcomed the group, unaware of its intentions.
READ ALSO: New Terrorist Group Emerges In Northwestern Nigeria, Defence Headquarters Confirms
Armed with sophisticated weaponry, ‘Lukarawas’ has reportedly spread its ideology across several regions, notably Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illela, and an additional local government area.
The Defence Headquarters assured the public that Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations are underway to counter the group. Troops are actively working to locate and neutralize this new threat.
Meanwhile, the DHQ has declared nine suspected members of the Lakurawas terrorist group wanted.
They are Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba a.k.a Abu Muhammed, Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu and Idris Taklakse.
READ ALSO: Airstrike In Occupied West Bank Kills Five Palestinian Men, Israel Claims Target was ‘Armed Terrorist Cell
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited the difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” Buba said.
Buba added that the group was initially welcomed by locals who believed they had good intentions.
He noted that the locals failed to inform military and security agencies of the terrorists’ movements.
He assured Nigerians that troops have sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to weaken the terrorists.
He said the troops are “actively locating the terrorists to neutralise their threats”.
