The Nigerian military has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group called “Lukarawas” in the northwest, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states, heightening security concerns in the region. According to the military, this group infiltrated Nigeria from Niger following the recent political coup there, which disrupted border security cooperation.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated during a press briefing that the terrorists leveraged gaps in border security, crossing through remote areas to establish themselves in these states. Local residents initially believed the group had positive intentions, failing to alert authorities in time.
The military is now intensifying Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities to track and neutralize the group, while reinforcing border security to prevent further incursions. The group is reportedly exploiting Nigeria’s under-governed areas to evade capture.
In addition, the military has declared nine key terrorist commanders wanted, including Abu Khadijah and Usman Kanin Shehu, who have been involved in ongoing disturbances in the northeast.
