Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terror group, ‘Lukarawas,’ active in the Northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted the increased insecurity due to the new group’s presence but assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are actively working to contain them.
“Troops are confronted with a new terrorist sect in the North-West. This sect is known as Lukarawas; the Lukarawas are affiliated with terrorists in the Sahel, particularly from Mali and Niger Republic,” Buba stated.
“They began incursion into the Northern part of Nigeria, mainly Sokoto and Kebbi states, and like I mentioned, they came in from the Niger and Mali axis,” he explained.
General Buba further noted that the Lukarawas emerged following the coup in Mali and the Republic of Niger, which disrupted previous military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
The military has also declared nine terrorists wanted for their roles in the ongoing security challenges facing the nation.
