The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine more terrorists wanted and confirmed the emergence of a new terror group, "Lukarawas," in northwestern Nigeria. Linked to ISIS, the group took advantage of the breakdown in Nigeria-Niger cooperation post-coup. The DHQ is intensifying operations to eliminate the threat.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine more terrorists wanted, naming individuals without offering a bounty. The wanted terrorists include Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba, Usman Kanin Shehu, and others. This announcement also coincides with the confirmation of a new terrorist group, "Lukarawas," which operates mainly in northwestern Nigeria.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the Lukarawas group emerged after the coup in Niger, exploiting the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. The group, linked to ISIS in the Sahel, has infiltrated northern Sokoto and Kebbi States, utilizing difficult terrain to evade detection.
Buba emphasized the breakdown of security cooperation between the two nations post-coup, which enabled the terrorists to cross into Nigeria. He also criticized residents in the Northwest for harboring the terrorists, who initially gained trust by offering protection from other threats. Over time, the terrorists imposed levies on locals, signaling their presence.
The DHQ continues its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to locate and neutralize the group. Buba urged Nigerians to report any suspicious activity immediately, stating that without the cooperation of the public, victory over such groups would remain challenging. The military is actively tracking the group and clearing them from their hideouts.
