The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrival of a new terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas’, which is further escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest region.
Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, made this known during a military briefing on Thursday in Abuja, where he provided an update on ongoing military operations.
According to Buba, the group originated from the Republic of Niger following the recent coup that disrupted military cooperation between Niger and Nigeria.
He noted that after the political upheaval in Niger, the group began infiltrating northern areas of Sokoto and Kebbi States, exploiting routes from Niger and Mali.
Buba highlighted that before the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces were effective in curbing terrorist activities.
“The terrorists capitalized on the lapse in collaboration between the two nations and leveraged challenging terrains to penetrate remote regions of certain northwestern states and propagate their ideology,” he said.
He further explained that some local communities initially welcomed the group, mistaking their intentions, and failed to alert the military or security agencies about their presence.
Maj.-Gen. Buba assured the public that military forces had intensified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to weaken the group.
He also mentioned that the terrorists continue to exploit under-governed spaces to evade capture, hide, and intimidate residents.
“Troops are tracking them down and neutralizing the threat,” Buba added.