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Nigerian Military Moves to Block Recruitment by New Terrorist Group ‘Lukarawa’

November 13, 2024

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has intensified efforts to counter recruitment activities by a new terrorist group known as Lukarawa, which has reportedly begun seeking recruits in Nigeria’s northern regions. The DHQ announced on Tuesday that it is working with other security agencies and state governments to disrupt the group’s recruitment drive, which has been targeting vulnerable communities through social media campaigns, sermons, and welfare incentives.

The emergence of Lukarawa was confirmed by the DHQ last Thursday, with reports indicating that the group operates primarily in Sokoto and Kebbi states and may have gained influence through incursions from the Niger Republic and Mali following the recent coup in Niger. In an alarming attack on Friday, the group reportedly struck Mera town in Kebbi’s Augie Local Government Area, killing 15 people and seizing 100 cattle while residents were gathering for Jumaat prayers.

Speaking about Lukarawa’s recruitment tactics, Maj Gen Edward Buba, Director of Media Operations at the DHQ, explained that the group is using social media to reach young people and lure them with promises of welfare support. “The group is employing social media platforms, showcasing sermons and enticing recruits with welfare packages,” Buba said. He emphasized that the military and allied security forces are aware of these efforts and are coordinating to block the group’s growth.

A former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, explained that Lukarawa is not a new group, claiming it has roots dating back to 2018. He noted that some members of the group, initially brought to Sokoto by local leaders seeking their assistance, have continued to operate in the area despite state government efforts to negotiate their departure. “This group was formed by Nassala in Niger Republic,” Ejiofor said. “When he died, the Nigerien government could not control them… They are few, not enough to pose a significant national threat, but their activities are closely monitored by our intelligence agencies.”

Security expert Timothy Avele raised concerns about Lukarawa’s long-standing presence in northern communities, stating that in some Kebbi regions, the group has been collecting taxes and even interfering in local judicial affairs. Avele criticized security agencies for not previously identifying the group’s activities, adding that Lukarawa’s recruitment could be difficult to curb given economic hardships in the region. “If their sources of funds are targeted and blocked and their top leadership/sponsors (both local and foreign) eliminated, including carrying out specific cyber operations, only then it could be stopped,” Avele suggested.

Ejiofor urged local communities to support security efforts, noting that residents’ failure to report the group’s movements has enabled their activities. He called for intensified intelligence efforts and emphasized the importance of community cooperation to prevent Lukarawa from gaining further influence.

The DHQ’s recent actions reflect Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to contain violent extremism amid complex security challenges, as well as the critical role that intelligence gathering and community support play in thwarting the expansion of groups like Lukarawa.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale




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