Nigerian Military Confirms New Terrorist Group ‘Lukarawas’ in Northwest Region

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has confirmed the presence of a new terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas,’ which is worsening insecurity in the Northwest.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared this update at a press briefing in Abuja on November 7, 2024.

Maj.-Gen. Buba explained that the Lukarawas group began operating in northern Nigeria after recent political turmoil in Niger Republic.

The military coup in Niger weakened security cooperation between Nigeria and Niger, creating border gaps that the group has exploited.

“These terrorists took advantage of the security gaps and the tough terrain to enter remote parts of northern Sokoto and Kebbi states,” Buba said.

He added that the terrorist group is spreading its influence by hiding in areas with limited government control.

Unintended Local Support

At first, local communities in the Northwest unknowingly helped the Lukarawas group, thinking they were peaceful.

“The locals initially welcomed the group, believing they had good intentions,” Buba noted. This assistance unintentionally allowed the group to settle and expand in these areas.

Military Response

In response, the Nigerian military has increased its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to locate and stop the group.

The Defence Headquarters stated that the group is using large, sparsely-governed areas to hide from military forces and harass local residents.

“The group continues to use under-governed regions to avoid troops and threaten locals,” Maj.-Gen. Buba explained.

Background of Instability

The rise of Lukarawas follows a military coup in Niger in July 2023, where Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from office.

Before this, Nigeria and Niger were working closely to combat terrorism along their shared border.

However, the political shift in Niger has weakened this cooperation, allowing groups like Lukarawas to take advantage of the security gaps.

The Nigerian military has assured the public that it is committed to securing the region and countering this new threat as it works to restore stability in the affected areas.