The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group, known as ‘Lukarawas,’ which is worsening security challenges in northwestern Nigeria. This revelation was made by Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing on military activities held in Abuja on Thursday. Maj.-Gen. Buba stated that the group emerged from the Republic of Niger following a coup that disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. He explained that the terrorists began to infiltrate northern Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and the Mali region, with their activities increasing after the coup in Niger. Before the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces helped prevent terrorist activities. However, the lack of collaboration post-coup created opportunities for the terrorists to exploit challenging terrains and penetrate remote parts of the northwestern region, spreading their extremist agenda. Maj.-Gen. Buba noted that the group’s presence was initially accepted by local communities, who mistakenly believed the group had good intentions and did not report their movements to security agencies. He assured the public that military forces were maintaining Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to weaken the terrorist group. He added that the group continues to use vast, under-governed areas as hideouts to avoid detection, harass residents, and evade troops. However, he emphasized that the military is tracking down and neutralizing the threat. READ ALSO: GeneralRector of Catholic Seminary in Edo Kidnapped, Now Freed
