The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that a new terror group Lakurawas infiltrated Nigeria from neighbouring countries .
Members of Lakurawas are now operating in Sokoto and Kebbi States in remote border areas with Niger Republic.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed this in Abuja during press conference collaborating the alarm raised by Sokoto state government few days ago of a new terrorist group in the state.
Gen Buba said the group originated from the Islamic State (IS) in the Sahelian Region and has ties with terrorist organizations in Mali and Niger.
Lakurawas is affiliated with terrorist groups from the Republics of Mali and Niger.
“Their incursion into northern Sokoto and Kebbi States began after the coup in Niger Republic, exploiting gaps in cooperation between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces”, he said
Buba explained that prior to the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces had kept the terrorists at bay
“However, with the restoration of military cooperation between the two countries, the Nigerian military is now better equipped to tackle the new threat.
“Troops have sustained offensives to degrade the terrorists, locating and eliminating the threat.
“The military remains focused on creating a conducive environment for agricultural activities and socio-economic growth in the region”, he added.
“The military has been conducting operations to create a stable security environment in the region, targeting terrorist hideouts and enclaves through ground and air operations. However, the emergence of Lakurawas has posed a new challenge.”
He said that locals had embraced the new terror group on their arrival without informing the military or security agencies until the group began to indoctrinate them into their folds, imposed fine and control.