The Defence Headquarters confirms a new terrorist group, ‘Lukarawas,’ has emerged in Nigeria's North West. This group, originating from the Republic of Niger, exploits gaps in security following the Niger coup. Military operations are underway to locate and neutralize the threat, which harasses locals and spreads extremist ideology.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas,’ operating in the North Western region of Nigeria. Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the group emerged after the recent coup in Niger, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
Following the coup, terrorists from Niger and Mali exploited gaps in border security, infiltrating northern Sokoto and Kebbi States. Before the coup, joint operations between Nigerian and Nigerian forces had helped suppress such threats. The new group has been using difficult terrains to launch attacks and spread their extremist ideology in remote areas of Nigeria.
Initially, local communities welcomed the terrorists, mistakenly believing they had good intentions, and failed to report their presence. However, Buba assured the public that Nigerian military forces were actively pursuing intelligence operations and using surveillance to track and eliminate the group.
Despite facing challenges due to vast, under-governed areas, troops have been making efforts to locate and neutralize the threat posed by the Lukarawas group, which has continued to harass local populations while hiding in hard-to-reach areas. The DHQ remains focused on curbing the spread of terrorism in the region.
