The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group called the ‘Lukarawas’ in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The group, which is believed to have migrated from Niger Republic and Mali, has been operating in the region.
The DHQ has also declared nine additional terrorists wanted, including Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba aka Abu Muhammed, Usman Kanin Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, B.A. Sulhu and Idris Taklakse.
Unlike previous declarations, no bounty has been placed on these individuals.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, attributed the emergence of the Lukarawas to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Republic following the recent coup in Niger.
He said, “This new group that has penetrated the northwestern part of the country, known as the Labrawas, are affiliated to ISIS in the Sahelian region. And it is indeed the first attempt of the Sahelian jihadists to have a football in our country.
“As I mentioned earlier, they were kept at bay all this while when we had joint cross-border operations with the Republic of Niger.
“However, when the coup took place in Niger, they took advantage of the breakdown in cooperation between both countries to make incursions through the difficult terrain to remote locations around the outskirts of the northwestern part of our country, some of those states.
“The emergence of the group is linked to political instability in Mali and Niger, which has fuelled the spread of extremist elements into Nigeria.
“We know exactly where they are as I speak to you. Now, what are the issues? When they came in, the locals recognised that they had strangers in their midst.
“Recognising that you have strangers in your midst, the proper thing to do is to let the authorities know.”
Buba expressed disappointment over the lack of cooperation from the local population, which he believes has contributed to the group’s ability to establish a foothold in the region.
“But they embraced that, thinking that they were going to sort of protect them from terrorists or whatever, and allow them to settle in and spread their ideology.
“Having settled in and gained the football, they started imposing certain levies and whatever on the people. And the people now said, like, what’s going on here? It was at that point that they felt the need to notify the authorities.”
Maj Gen Buba said, “That is not the time to notify. You notify immediately you see something strange. So, winning this war clearly without the support of the people is impossible.
“They came in just the same way we have something like Boko Haram. They’re telling you the men should keep the long beards. They’re telling you the women must wear hijab and whatever.
“They’re telling you the men must have jump-up trousers and so many other things like that. So, they’re easy to find based on their traits.
“So, I continue to say that and beg Nigerians to help us to help you. Now that we know, we’re finding them. We’re flushing them out.”
Buba stated that troops are conducting intelligence-driven operations to locate and eliminate these threats. He emphasized that the military is taking advantage of advanced surveillance and reconnaissance techniques to track the terrorist movements.
In October alone, the military reported significant successes, including the elimination of 481 terrorists, the arrest of 741 suspects, and the rescue of 492 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops recovered a substantial amount of weapons and ammunition.
General Buba commended the troops for their dedication and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He reiterated the military’s commitment to protecting the nation and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
