The Nigerian Army has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas’ in the northwest region of the country.
During a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, November 8, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the group emerged from the Republic of Niger following the military coup, which disrupted cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
Buba explained that the terrorists started infiltrating the northern areas of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali after the coup.
“The terrorists exploited the weakened cooperation between the two countries and used the challenging terrain to penetrate remote areas in northwestern states to spread their ideology,” Buba noted.
He added that the group was initially welcomed by locals who believed their intentions were good, leading to a lack of reports to the military and security agencies.
Buba assured that troops are now tracking down the group and working to neutralize the threat.
