Defence Headquarters Confirms New Terrorist Group ‘Lukarawas’ in Northwest Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group, known as ‘Lukarawas,’ which is worsening the security situation in northwest Nigeria.

During a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, explained that the group formed in the Republic of Niger following a recent coup, leading to a breakdown in military cooperation with Nigeria.

According to Buba, the Lukarawas militants have entered northern Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali regions, taking advantage of the absence of joint border operations previously conducted with Nigerien forces.

“The terrorists have exploited the gaps in cooperation between the two countries, using challenging terrains to infiltrate remote areas of northwestern states and spread their ideology,” Buba stated.

The group’s initial welcome by locals, who were unaware of their true intentions, further complicated efforts to address the threat. Buba assured that troops have intensified Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities to weaken the group’s hold.

He added that the terrorists continue to use vast, under-governed areas to evade troops and harass local populations, but affirmed that military efforts are underway to locate and eliminate the threat.