By correspondent in Abuja.
Maj.-Gen.Edward Buba
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group, ‘Lukarawas,’ operating in the north-western region of Nigeria.
In a briefing on Thursday in Abuja, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the group emerged from the Republic of Niger following the recent coup there, which disrupted Nigeria’s military cooperation with its northern neighbor.
According to Buba, the terrorists began infiltrating Sokoto and Kebbi States from Niger and Mali, taking advantage of the reduced border security and joint operations that had previously kept them at bay.
The disruption of military cooperation post-coup created gaps, allowing the militants to exploit difficult terrains and gain a foothold in remote areas, he added.
Buba further explained that the locals initially welcomed the group, mistakenly believing they had benevolent intentions, though the movement went unreported to security forces.
Despite these challenges, the DHQ spokesperson reassured that Nigerian troops are intensifying Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to track and eliminate the new threat.
He emphasized that while the terrorists continue to hide in ungoverned areas, military operations are underway to neutralize the group.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
