A newly formed terrorist group, identified as “Lakurawas” or the Mujahidin, has reportedly taken control over five local government areas in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Sources reveal that the group has been imposing zakat and other levies on residents in Tangaza, Gada, Illela, Silame, and Binji.
Witnesses describe the militants as heavily armed, often arriving in large numbers on motorcycles and communicating in multiple languages. They reportedly leave members behind to enforce taxes and coerce residents into harvesting crops for their benefit, with severe punishments for those who resist.
Local officials, including Tangaza LGA Chairman Alhaji Isa Salihu Kalenjeni, have confirmed the group’s activities, highlighting incidents of robbery and forced payments. Major General Edward Buba from Defence Media Operations connected the group to ISIS in the Sahel, exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders. He urged residents to report suspicious activity, emphasizing swift military action to counteract this emerging threat.
