The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group, “Lukarawas,” which is intensifying insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest region.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided the update during a press briefing on the military’s operations in Abuja on Thursday.
Buba explained that the group originated from the Republic of Niger, following the recent coup that disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. The terrorists began infiltrating northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States, crossing over from the Niger and Mali border areas, especially after the coup in Niger.
Prior to the coup, joint border operations between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces had kept the terrorist threat under control. However, with the breakdown of cooperation, the terrorists exploited the resulting gaps and difficult terrain to enter remote areas in several northwest states, spreading their ideology.
The group initially found support from local communities, who mistakenly believed the militants had good intentions and failed to report their presence to the authorities.
Buba reassured that military forces have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to weaken the group. He noted that the terrorists continue to use vast, ungoverned regions to evade capture and intimidate local populations.
However, he assured that troops are actively locating and neutralizing the threat posed by the group.
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