The Defence Headquarters has officially confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist organization referred to as ‘Lukarawas,’ which has intensified insecurity in the northwestern region of Nigeria.
During a press briefing on military operations held on Thursday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba provided this information.
Buba indicated that this new terrorist group originated from the Republic of Niger following a coup that disrupted military collaboration between Nigeria and Niger.
He noted that the terrorists have begun to infiltrate the northern regions of Sokoto and Kebbi States, primarily from the Niger Republic and Mali, particularly in the aftermath of the coup in Niger.
He further explained that prior to the coup, there were coordinated border operations with Nigerien security forces that effectively contained the terrorists.
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” Buba noted.
Buba mentioned that the locals welcomed the group, believing at first that they were friendly and helpful.
However, he also revealed that they didn’t inform the military or security forces about the group’s presence.
He reassured that the military had gathered enough information through intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations to weaken the terrorist group.
He further stated that the terrorist organization was still exploiting the large, ungoverned regions to conceal themselves, avoid detection by soldiers, and disturb the local population.
He said that the military is on the hunt for them and is taking steps to neutralize the danger.
