The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group, named ‘Lukarawas,’ in the north-western region of the country. The group is believed to have originated from the Republic of Niger following the recent coup there, which disrupted military collaboration between Nigeria and Niger.

Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared this development with reporters on Thursday in Abuja. He explained that the terrorist group began infiltrating Nigeria’s northern states of Sokoto and Kebbi from both Niger and Mali, particularly after the coup in Niger. Prior to the coup, joint border operations between Nigeria and Niger had helped keep such terrorists at bay.

According to Buba, the terrorists capitalized on the breakdown in cooperation between the two nations and exploited difficult terrain to infiltrate remote areas of north-western Nigeria, spreading their ideology. Initially, some locals welcomed the group, believing they had good intentions, but the movement was not reported to the military or security forces.

The DHQ spokesperson assured the public that military forces are maintaining Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to eliminate the group. He acknowledged that the terrorists have continued to exploit vast, ungoverned areas, evading military presence and harassing local communities. However, efforts are ongoing to locate and neutralize the threat.

The Nigerian Police Force, Sokoto State Command, has also confirmed the presence of the ‘Lukarawas’ group in five local government areas in the state. Police spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai, reported that the group, armed with advanced weaponry, has been active in Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illela, and one other local government area, imposing their beliefs on the local populace.