A new wave of terrorism has emerged in Nigeria’s security landscape, spearheaded by the Lukarawa Group. Operating in the northwest regions, this group has rapidly gained notoriety for its violent tactics and extremist agenda.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of the Lukarawa terrorist group, now operating primarily in the northwest regions of Sokoto and Kebbi states. This revelation was made by Major General Edward Buba, spokesman of Defence Media Operations (DMO), during a press briefing in Abuja. He assured Nigerians that the military has intensified its operations to dismantle the group and safeguard affected communities.
Who Are the Lukarawa Group, and Where Did They Come From?
The Lukarawa Group is a cross-border terror faction comprising individuals from Niger, Mali, and Libya. Their incursion into Nigeria was facilitated by weak border security, a consequence of the July 2023 coup in Niger Republic. The coup disrupted regional security collaborations, including the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF), which previously served as a buffer against such threats.
Initially invited by Nigerian communities to combat banditry as far back as 2018, Lukarawa overstayed their welcome. They shifted focus to imposing Sharia law, disrupting local governance, and terrorizing the same communities that once sought their help.
Impact of the Niger Coup on Lukarawa’s Entry
The Niger coup played a pivotal role in the group’s resurgence in Nigeria. Before the coup, Niger actively participated in the MJTF alongside Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, effectively containing cross-border terrorism. However, after the military junta in Niger severed ties with ECOWAS and suspended MJTF operations, border surveillance weakened, allowing groups like Lukarawa to infiltrate northern Nigeria.
What Are Their Objectives?
Lukarawa identifies as a faith-based group with ideologies akin to Boko Haram. Their goal is to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law within their operational zones. They have attempted to enforce Sharia law in communities, targeting individuals with dissenting lifestyles or practices, such as shaving beards or listening to music.
Timeline of Activities and Re-Emergence
• Initial Presence (2018-2019): Lukarawa was initially welcomed to combat bandits but later turned on the host communities. A joint operation by the Nigerian military and DSS expelled them in 2019.
• Resurgence (2023): In July 2023, the group reappeared, this time forming alliances with local bandits. Lawmaker Sani Yakubu, representing Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto, raised the alarm during a House of Representatives plenary, highlighting the collaboration between Lukarawa and local bandit factions.
How Are They Terrorizing Communities?
The Lukarawa Group has carried out heinous acts in Sokoto and Kebbi, including:
• Beating youths for “un-Islamic” behavior such as grooming choices and music.
• Indoctrinating and collaborating with local bandits.
• Collecting religious taxes from locals, seizing livestock from defaulters.
• Robbing communities and recruiting young individuals with monetary incentives.
Eyewitnesses report that the group wields sophisticated weapons, including drones, and executes coordinated attacks targeting government officials and civilians.
The Current State of the Lukarawa Group
The group is believed to be hiding in Tsauni Forest, a sprawling area across Sokoto and Kebbi states. Nigerian military forces have intensified operations, conducting air and ground assaults to eliminate their stronghold. Furthermore, nine individuals identified as key members of Lukarawa have been declared wanted by the authorities. They include:
- Abu Khadijah
- Abdurrahman
- Dadi Gumba (also known as Abu Muhammed)
- Usman Shehu
- Abu Yusuf
- Musa Wa’a
- Idris Taklakse
- Ibrahim Suyeka
- Ba Sulhu
The Lukarawa Group represents a growing threat that Nigeria cannot afford to overlook. Addressing this challenge will require not only military might but also community cooperation, regional partnerships, and targeted efforts to disrupt the group’s funding and recruitment pipelines.
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