Lukarawas: The Latest Terrorist Group to Hit Nigeria

Military Alerts Public to “Lukarawas” Terrorist Group in Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that a new terrorist group, Lukarawas, has taken advantage of...

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The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group, known as “Lukarawas,” which is infiltrating the Northwest region, exacerbating the already dire security situation. This revelation was made by Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, in Abuja on November 7.

According to Maj. Gen. Buba, the Lukarawas group began its activities in northern Nigeria following the recent political unrest in Niger Republic. The coup in Niger disrupted the security collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien forces, creating vulnerabilities along the border that the Lukarawas group has exploited.

Defence Headquarters' Efforts

• The Defence Headquarters has various departments working together to ensure national security, including the Department of Defence Policy and Plans, Department of Defence Training and Operations, and Department of Defence Administration.

• The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has emphasized the importance of collaboration and joint operations to address security challenges.

• The Defence Headquarters has also been involved in various operations to counter terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that a new terrorist group, Lukarawas, has taken advantage of weakened cooperation between Nigeria and Niger to spread its ideology in Northwestern states. “The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some Northwestern states to spread their ideology,” said Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba.

The group's incursions have primarily affected northern areas of Sokoto and Kebbi states, entering through routes from Niger Republic and Mali. Buba noted that local communities initially welcomed the Lukarawas group, mistakenly assuming it was non-threatening and had peaceful intentions. “The group was accommodated by the locals who initially thought that the group meant well for them,” he stated.

However, the group's true intentions have become clear, and the Nigerian military is now working to counter its influence. The Defence Headquarters has intensified Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to locate and neutralize the group's members.

Areas Affected:

Northern Sokoto: One of the primary areas impacted by the Lukarawas group's incursions

Northern Kebbi: Another key region affected by the group's activities

Background on the Lukarawas Group:

The Lukarawas group formed in the Republic of Niger after a recent coup, which disrupted security cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.

The Nigerian military has intensified its efforts to combat the Lukarawas terrorist group, which has been taking advantage of vast, poorly regulated areas in Northwest Nigeria to evade detection and harm local residents. Initially, the group received unintentional support from local communities, but the military is now working to dismantle its network through enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

Strategies to Counter Lukarawas:

Enhanced ISR Operations: The Nigerian military has escalated its ISR efforts to identify and disrupt the group's network.

Community Engagement: The military aims to educate local communities about the group's true intentions and harmful activities.

Border Security: Strengthening border control measures to prevent the group's exploitation of porous borders.

The Defence Headquarters has emphasized the importance of addressing the security challenges posed by the Lukarawas group, particularly in northern areas of Sokoto and Kebbi states.

By leveraging advanced technology, such as Nigeria's first military satellite, DELSAT-1, the military can enhance its operational capacity and effectively counter threats to national security 

Maj. Gen. Buba revealed that the terror group has continued to exploit the vast under-governed areas to evade troops, hide, and harass locals. “The terror group has continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals,” he explained.

The recent surge in terrorist activity is linked to the July 2023 military coup in Niger Republic. President Mohamed Bazoum's decision to replace General Abdourahmane Tchiani, head of the presidential guard, triggered the coup. Tchiani's detention by the guard led to segments of the armed forces seizing power and suspending the constitution. A military junta took control, backed by the army, citing the need to prevent violent clashes between factions that could lead to widespread bloodshed.

Before the coup, Nigeria and Niger collaborated closely on counter-terrorism efforts, conducting joint security operations along their shared border to combat militant threats. However, this cooperation ceased after the coup, creating a security vacuum that terrorist groups have exploited. These groups have used the rugged, remote border areas to infiltrate Nigeria and launch attacks.