The Nigerian Military has issued a national alert regarding the rise of a new terror group, Lukarawas, which is believed to be operating in Kebbi and Sokoto states in the northwestern part of the country.
The Military High Command revealed that the new terror faction has crossed into Nigeria from the Republic of Niger, following the recent coup that disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
In addition to this alarming development, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that it is seeking nine more wanted terrorists, although no bounties have been placed on their heads.
The individuals on the wanted list include Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba (also known as Abu Muhammed), Usman Kanin Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, B.A. Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.
The latest announcements intensify concerns over growing insecurity in the northwestern region, which has been plagued by rampant banditry, kidnappings, and violent killings.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared the information during a briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
He explained that the emergence of Lukarawas as a new threat coincided with the breakdown of joint military operations between Nigeria and Niger following the coup in Niger Republic.
Prior to the coup, these cross-border operations were instrumental in preventing terrorist groups from advancing into Nigerian territories.
Now, with the disruption of cooperation, these groups have been able to infiltrate the northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states, particularly through the Mali and Niger Republic axis.
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” he said.
Buba said that the group was accommodated by the locals, who initially thought it meant well for them, and they failed to report the presence to the military and security agencies.
He gave assurance that troops had sustained its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to degrade the terrorists.
He added that the terror group had continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals.
According to him, troops are locating them and eliminating the threat they pose.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquater (DHQ) has revealed that troops killed 481 terrorists, arrested 741 others, and rescued 492 hostages in October.
Making the revelations on Thursday, the director of defence media operations, Major General Edward Buba, said troops recovered 480 weapons and 9,026 assorted ammunition.
He warned terrorists that they cannot match the military might; hence, they should surrender or face the wrath of the Armed Forces.
“Truly, the terrorists know that they cannot match our military strength. The options open to them are to surrender or be killed on the battlefield.
“Accordingly, some terrorist leaders, commanders and combatants have indicated (they are ready to) surrender.
“We are opening a surrendering corridor for that purpose.”
He assured that while the armed forces mourn the tragic passing away of the COAS, Lt Gen T.A Lagbaja, “We will not allow his passing to derail our focus to destroy the terrorists.”
He said the armed forces are not demoralized by General Lagbaja’s death but instead inspired by his actions on the battlefield as a war commander and his strong desire to defeat the terrorists to end the war.
He reiterated that the military will continue to work decisively to “stop the insecurity in the nation and ensure the safety of citizens,” adding that the armed forces was in a good and strong position to win this war.
