Insecurity: New Terrorist Group Emerges in Northern Nigeria

The Sokoto State Government has issued a cautionary alert regarding the emergence of a new terrorist group known as “Lakurawas,” raising fresh security concerns in northern Nigeria.

State Deputy Governor Idris Gobir revealed the existence of this group during a briefing with Course 33 participants from the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study visit to Sokoto. According to Gobir, the Lakurawas group operates under a religious ideology and is equipped with advanced weaponry. “Our assessment indicates that Lakurawas is active across approximately five local government areas within the state,” he stated.

Gobir expressed concern over the group’s growing presence, especially as Sokoto is already grappling with severe banditry. “The threat is escalating,” he remarked, noting that security agencies are intensifying their efforts to counter this new menace.

The Deputy Governor also highlighted ongoing collaborations between state and federal security forces aimed at protecting lives and property. He underscored various initiatives the state government has implemented to address security challenges, hoping that insights from the National Defence College’s study tour would enhance understanding of these evolving threats and support the development of robust peacekeeping strategies.

Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, who led the visiting delegation, provided background on the National Defence College, established in 1992 as Nigeria’s foremost military training institution. He explained that the college prepares officers from the military, police, and other strategic agencies for high-level leadership, with a cumulative total of 2,982 graduates, including participants from 30 African and Asian nations.

Dauda further indicated that at the conclusion of the study visit, the delegation would compile both oral and written reports, detailing their observations and proposing recommendations to strengthen security measures in Sokoto State.