The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist faction, identified as “Lukarawas,” which has been exacerbating the security crisis in Nigeria’s North West region.

This new threat is believed to have emerged from the Republic of Niger following the recent coup that disrupted military collaboration between Nigeria and Niger.

In a briefing to the media on Thursday in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that the terrorist group started infiltrating Nigeria through the northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states, taking advantage of the instability in the region, especially after the breakdown in military cooperation.

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Before the coup in Niger, Nigeria and Niger had maintained joint border operations to counter terrorism. However, the cessation of these operations allowed the Lukarawas group to exploit gaps in security, particularly in the rugged, remote areas along the Niger and Mali borders. Initially, some locals in the affected areas believed the group had good intentions, and this lack of suspicion hindered reporting to security forces.

Maj.-Gen. Buba assured the public that the Nigerian military had ramped up efforts, utilizing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance to locate and neutralize the group. However, he acknowledged that the terrorists have continued to exploit the vast, under-governed areas to evade military action and carry out attacks on locals.

The Defence Headquarters has committed to ongoing operations to dismantle the terrorist group and restore security to the region.

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