Troops launch manhunt as Lakurawa rampages in Sokoto, Kebbi
The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, visited the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto on Sunday as part of efforts to combat the emerging terror group, Lakurawa.
During his visit, Oluyede directed the troops to eliminate the new terror group, which has reportedly been recruiting youths in the state.
The Defence Headquarters had earlier identified Lakurawa as a growing threat in Kebbi and Sokoto States. According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the group is linked to jihadi factions in Mali and Niger, raising alarms about security in the northwestern region of Nigeria.
Buba emphasized that the group’s emergence is tied to political instability in Mali and Niger, which has fueled the spread of extremist elements into Nigeria.
Addressing residents of the Masallaci community in the Tangaza Local Government Area, Oluyede urged them to provide timely and accurate information to aid the military in its fight against insecurity.
“I am here to assess my troops,” Oluyede said. “Challenges will always arise, but the key is how we respond. My visit today is to motivate my soldiers to rise to the challenge, and we will do so.”
“My charge to the community is for them to support us. If we don’t get their support, we can’t succeed. And if we don’t succeed, it means the country won’t be secure. We need the support of Nigerians so that we can achieve economic prosperity in the country,” Oluyede stated.
He further explained, “I am here to see my soldiers, assess their state of readiness, and motivate them to continue doing what they do best—securing the country.”
It was reported that the Acting COAS also visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and other key stakeholders in the state. He held discussions with troops of Operation FASAN YANMA to inspire and encourage them.
Oluyede additionally visited troops in the Illela Local Government Area, where he met with officers of the battalion stationed there.
READ ALSO: How herdsmen invited Lakurawa terrorist group to Sokoto, members sent on errand to Lagos
He also held meetings with other security agencies and emphasized the need for collaboration in addressing the security challenges.
In a bid to counter the terrorists, the Nigerian Army has deployed troops of Operation Fasan Yamma to Sokoto and Kebbi States.
A source from the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the operation, confirmed that a directive from headquarters had been received, mobilizing troops to the area for clearance operations.
The source confirmed that the military leadership is focused on ensuring the safety of the entire northwest region.
“Yes, we are on top of the situation,” the officer said. “I can confirm that troops have been deployed to the troubled Local Government Areas in Sokoto and Kebbi states to restore peace and order.”
“We are fully committed to dislodging the Lakurawa group from our land and driving them back to where they came from,” the officer assured.
A source in Tangaza Local Government Area revealed that the terror group had been active in the area for over six years.
“In November 2018, residents of communities in Tangaza and Gudu Local Government Areas in Sokoto State raised alarms about the presence of unfamiliar terror groups,” the source said. “The residents reported that the group, believed to have originated from Mali, had been flogging locals, imposing taxes, and preaching to community members.”
At the time, the caretaker chairman of Tangaza Local Council, Maidamma Yari, reportedly dismissed the allegations.
However, he acknowledged that some individuals from Niger Republic had assisted in pushing back the bandits operating in the area.
Yari denied reports of a new terror group operating in the local government, explaining that “some unfamiliar individuals from Niger Republic arrived in the local government a few weeks ago, and their presence has helped in pushing back kidnappers attempting to infiltrate from Zamfara State.”
Although the state police command had promised to provide an update after investigating the group, no information was shared with the public.
However, a resident of Tangaza, Usman Alfadari, confirmed that the terror group had been active in the area for over six years. He explained, “For more than two years now, whenever they encounter anyone herding cattle in the bush, they demand to see the owner and ask if they are a cattle rustler or the rightful owner. They then demand a tax or zakat.”
Alfadari further shared disturbing details of the group’s actions: “If they visit a mosque and the imam displeases them, they will drag him out and flog him. During Juma’at prayers, if they find that the imam hasn’t started the sermon on time, they will beat him, then force him to lead the prayers and sermon.”
He also noted a troubling shift in their presence: “Previously, their camp was located far from the town, but now they have moved closer. In fact, their camp is only about 6 kilometers from Gidan Madi in Tangaza. They are also present in Binji, Silame, and Gudu local governments.”
“They are more present in Gudu Local Government Area than anywhere else. They attacked and killed four soldiers there not long ago, and at one point, they even took away a security vehicle after overpowering the soldiers,” a resident said.
He continued, “They also attacked Gongoro village in Tangaza LGA, but thanks to the community’s resistance, they managed to kill four of the attackers.”
Mahmud Tangaza, another local resident, added, “They are present in Tangaza, Gudu, Binji, Silame, and parts of Gwadabawa LGA. They’ve been here since around 2018, but sadly, this is the first time the government is taking them seriously. They impose taxes, particularly on cattle, and enforce laws according to their beliefs—anyone who dares to oppose them faces severe consequences.”
A different source explained that the group initially clashed with bandits in the area. “When they first arrived, they would often confront and chase away the bandits whenever they attacked. I think that helped them earn the trust of the locals,” the source said. “But now, there are rumors that the group is working alongside bandits to attack innocent civilians, which is deeply concerning.”
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Lakurawa sect is using financial incentives to recruit young men into their ranks. According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the group is offering as much as ₦1 million to entice youths in Sokoto to join them.
In a post on X, Makama revealed, “The new extremist group, identified as Lakurawa, is offering up to one million naira to young men in exchange for their allegiance. Sources say the group, composed of individuals from Mali, Chad, Libya, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is actively recruiting local youths in Sokoto with substantial financial incentives.”
Makama noted that the Lakurawa group’s recruitment strategy combines financial offers with ideological influence, similar to the extremist views of groups like Boko Haram. “Unlike typical criminal gangs, Lakurawa adheres to radical ideologies linked to the Khawarij sect,” he added.
However, some sources claim that the terror group was initially invited by local communities about six years ago to help them drive out the bandits from their area.
“The people of the community invited them to help tackle the bandits. Over time, however, they began imposing laws and taxes on livestock, which the community found to be contrary to their original agreement,” a local source explained.
He continued, “After negotiations, most of them left and returned to their countries—Mali, Niger, and other parts of Africa. It is the remaining members who have now turned into a terror group.”
Meanwhile, on Friday, the group killed 15 locals in the Mera community in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Two members of the sect were also killed during the incident.
The violence began when the group stormed the town and stole cattle from several residents. A local, Alhaji Bashir Mera, recounted, “The Lakurawas attacked the town just before Juma’at prayers and made off with at least 100 cattle. The townspeople mobilized in large numbers and pursued them into the bush to retrieve the animals, which led to an exchange of gunfire. In the end, 15 locals and two members of the Lakurawa group were killed.”
He added that although the group had previously only extorted residents, this was the first time their actions resulted in fatalities. “They didn’t used to kill people; they would seize cows and demand Zakat from the owners. This was the first time they attacked our town and killed anyone.”
In response to the attack, the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, extended his condolences to the victims’ families and assured that the government would take all necessary steps to ensure peace in the state.
A statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, emphasized that the governor was working closely with security agencies to end criminal activities in the state and called on the public to continue providing credible information to assist the authorities.
The Kebbi State Police Command also confirmed that a joint security team had been established to eliminate the group. Spokesman Nafiu Abubakar said the team was deployed after receiving reports of the attack.
Additionally, the Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the presence of the Lakurawa sect in five local government areas of the state. Spokesman Ahmed Rufai stated that the group has been operating in Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illela, and other areas, armed with weapons. “Part of their agenda is to impose their religious beliefs on the people. They have attacked suspected bandits in the region, claiming to be combating illegal activities,” Rufai said.
In a reprisal attack following the deaths in Mera, a local security group, Yan sa Kai, killed at least six Fulanis they suspected of being involved in the killings. Nafiu Abubakar confirmed the attack and said it was under investigation. Another resident, Bashir Isah Mera, added that two more bodies from Mera were found after the attack, raising the death toll to 17.
The Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir, described Lakurawa as a faith-based extremist group. During a meeting with participants of the National Defence College’s Course 33, Gobir stated, “An assessment revealed that the group possesses sophisticated weapons and their criminal activities span five local government areas. While the state faces banditry, security authorities are working diligently to address these emerging threats.”
In response to the group’s actions, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, sent a high-level delegation to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. The delegation, led by former Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, expressed concern over the Lakurawa attacks and pledged to continue collaborating with the military and security agencies to protect the people of Kebbi.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched several airstrikes against the terrorists in Kebbi and Zamfara States, targeting the hideouts of notorious bandits.
According to NAF spokesperson Olusola Akinboyewa, on November 8, 2024, precision airstrikes hit multiple camps, including one linked to notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aleiro. The strikes reportedly killed many of Aleiro’s fighters and destroyed a major arms depot. During the operation, several kidnapped victims were also freed.
Concerned about the growing threat posed by Lakurawa, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) called on the government to act decisively. ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, described the group’s emergence as alarming. “This is a critical moment. Lakurawa must not be allowed to establish itself in our communities as Boko Haram did,” he said. The ACF urged security agencies to move quickly and decisively to dismantle the group using all available resources.
The forum also called for improved intelligence gathering, engagement with local leaders and security outfits, and enhanced regional cooperation, particularly with neighboring countries like Niger Republic, to combat the growing threat.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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