Lakurawa: FG maps out strategy to end new terror group

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, while reiterating the federal government’s efforts to end insecurity in the country, has disclosed strategic means of ending the new terror group, Lakurawa.

Badaru said that with the deployment of troops and provision of additional equipment, the Nigerian government would overrun the Lakurawa.

The Informant247 reports that the new armed group, Lakurawa, has killed no fewer than 15 people, while over 100 cows were rustled in Mera, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Meanwhile, the defence headquarters (DHQ), through the director of defence media operations, Edward, had recently declared nine leaders of the terrorist group wanted after infiltrating northern Sokoto and Kebbi from neighbouring Niger Republic and Mali.

Buba said the recent coup in the Niger Republic disrupted military cooperation between the country and Nigeria.

However, the Minister, while speaking with BBC Hausa Service, said that the federal government has mapped out its strategies to end Lakurawa terrorising Sokoto and Kebbi state and that efforts are ongoing to stem the tide of this threat and prevent the group from spreading to other states.

According to him, “They have rolled out strategies on how to end the new terror group, God willing, including the provision of additional equipment and troops that will be deployed to the affected areas to bring an end to it.

“Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff have met and have mapped out strategies, and I am convinced of how they are going to handle the issue. With your prayers, we are going to decimate and end this security challenge, God willing”, he said

“If you look at it, we have recorded successes in the last one year. But as you know, while you are strategising, they are also coming up with different tactics, but by and large, anyone who is aware of the happenings will tell you that we have recorded successes in this fight, and we pray this will continue until this security challenge is completely addressed.”

Back story

The Informant247 had confirmed that a new terrorist group, Lukarawas, operating in the northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi, has emerged.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, while confirming this development, said this group crossed into Nigeria from Niger following the recent military coup that disrupted joint border security efforts, aggravating regional security concerns in the country.

According to Maj Gen. Edward, the group reportedly gained local acceptance initially, but security forces have since intensified Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to neutralise their activities. Meanwhile, the military has also listed nine Northeast terrorist commanders as wanted, emphasising ongoing counter-terrorism measures.

With terrorist groups capitalising on sparsely governed territories, Nigerian forces have continued their mission to dismantle the Lukarawas network and restore stability in affected areas.

Meanwhile, at least 15 people have been reportedly murdered by the new armed group, Lakurawa, while over 100 cows were rustled in Mera, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

According to a prominent personality in the town, Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera (Yariman Mera), who confirmed the attack to Daily Trust, the group invaded the town as people were getting set for Jumat prayer and made away with over 100 cattle.

“On hearing this, people of the town mobilised in their hundreds and pursued them to the bush in a bid to recover the cows.

“There was exchange of fire between the people of the town and the bandits, which led to the killing of 15 people, and two of the lakurawas were also killed,” he said.

Mera added that the Lukarawas are hiding in Sokoto bush from where they coordinate their attacks.

“Initially, they didn’t kill; they only confiscated cows and asked owners to pay ‘Zakat’. That has been happening for almost two months. This is their first attack in which they killed 15 people in our town,” he said.

Mera said Governor Nasir Idris had called him on the phone twice, expressing worry over the killings and ordering the deployment of soldiers to the community to contain the situation, adding that the commanding officer of Dukku barracks, DSS boss, Commissioner of Police, and combined security forces have been mobilised to restore normalcy to Mera town and its environs.

Also, the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, have visited Mera town to sympathise with the families of the deceased while assuring the people that the governor had pledged to ensure their protection against further attacks by the terror group.