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The Digest:

A recent US-Nigeria airstrike in Sokoto has highlighted the complex and debated presence of terrorist groups in Nigeria's North-West, distinct from the ISIS stronghold in the North-East.

Key Points:
  • The operation targeted ISIS-linked militants, but experts debate the group's true affiliation in Sokoto.
  • The primary group, Lakurawa, was initially invited by local leaders in 2017 to combat bandits from Zamfara.
  • Composed of foreign fighters from Mali, they originally provided security before turning on their hosts.
  • The group evolved, imposing taxes, preaching radical Islam, and banning music and alcohol.
  • Expert analysis is split: some link Lakurawa to al-Qaeda's JNIM, others to ISIS's Sahel Province (ISSP).
  • Their resurgence has been fueled by regional instability, including the Niger coup and collapsed border security.
  • Civilians of all faiths bear the brunt of violence, contradicting narratives of solely religious persecution.
The situation underscores a fragmented insurgency where local grievances, cross-border movement, and shifting jihadist alliances create a persistent threat.

Sources: Premium Times