Normalcy is gradually returning to communities in seven local government areas of Kebbi and Sokoto states that were recently attacked by a new terror group known as Lakurawa,leadership reports.
Top officials, community leaders, and residents revealed that the group fled after intensified military offensives. They also shared how the group, comprising militants from Mali and Burkina Faso, infiltrated their areas.
Following the discovery of the group, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu assured Nigerians that the Bola Tinubu administration would act decisively to eliminate the threat. Ribadu reiterated the government’s commitment to national security, declaring, “We will kick you out of Nigeria.”
The group gained attention after Sokoto State Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir disclosed its presence in five local government areas. He described Lakurawa as a faith-based group with criminal tendencies and sophisticated weapons. Speaking to participants from the National Defence College on a study tour, Gobir expressed hope that their visit would provide valuable insights for managing the crisis.
ALSO READ: Hardship: Nigerians now borrow, skip meals for days – NBS
Residents noted that Lakurawa, with a base in Gongono Forest in Tangaza, did not emerge overnight. The group, an amalgamation of militants, had infiltrated from Mali and Burkina Faso and established control over surrounding forests, including DarnaTsaulawo and Kuyan Bana. They disguised themselves as jihadists, enforcing strict Islamic rules such as banning cigarettes, alcohol, and adultery, mandating beards for men, and hijabs for women. They also imposed Zakkat (alms) on Fulani herders with large livestock holdings.
Hon. Sani Alhaji Yakubu, a federal lawmaker, raised concerns in the National Assembly, highlighting the group’s threat to predominantly farming communities. He called for increased military deployments to flush out the militants.
In response, Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede visited Sokoto State, met with troops of “Operation FASAN YANMA,” and urged them to dislodge the insurgents. Security forces launched a series of covert operations that dismantled the group’s enclaves, forcing members to flee.
The chairman of Tangaza local government, Hon. Bashir Salihu, confirmed the return of peace and pledged collaboration with the military. Community leaders also promised to provide intelligence to prevent a resurgence of terrorism.
In Kebbi State, Lakurawa killed 15 people in Mera, Augie Local Government Area. Governor Nasir Idris immediately constituted a delegation to engage national security officials. Troops were subsequently deployed, neutralizing many militants and restoring peace to affected areas, including Mera, Arewa, and Dandi local governments.
Residents expressed gratitude for the swift intervention. Local leaders, including Dr. Mansur Musa of Augie and Alhaji Lamne Augie, commended the efforts of the governor and military. A resident, Muhammed Mera, said the community now lives in peace, free from the fear that gripped them during the insurgency.
Meanwhile, in Bauchi State, residents of Burra and Gumau in Ningi and Toro local government areas dismissed reports of Lakurawa’s presence in their communities as baseless rumors. Security agencies in the region have not confirmed any such activity. Efforts to obtain a response from the 33 Armoured Brigade Command were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
