The Defence Headquarters has issued a warning about the recruitment efforts of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group targeting youths in northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states. According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Media Operations, Lakurawa entered Nigeria from the Niger Republic and Mali regions, ramping up concerns in northern communities.
Last Friday, the group launched a violent attack in Mera town, Kebbi State, killing 15 people and seizing around 100 cows. The military has condemned local communities for not reporting suspicious activities, with some allegedly assisting the terrorists.
Lakurawa is reportedly attracting recruits through a combination of social media outreach, sermons, and welfare incentives. Security forces, including the military and local governments, are working to counteract these efforts.
A former DSS Director, Mike Ejiofor, clarified that Lakurawa has existed since 2018 but was relatively inactive until recently. He emphasized the need for stronger intelligence efforts and community cooperation to prevent the group from gaining ground in the region. Security expert Timothy Avele pointed out the economic hardships that make recruitment attractive and called for targeting the group’s financial and leadership structures to weaken it.
