The Nigerian military, alongside forces from Chad, Niger, and other neighboring countries, has launched joint patrols to tackle the growing threat of the Lakurawa terrorist group. The group, linked to attacks in northern Nigeria and nearby regions, has exploited porous borders to expand its activities.
“We have commenced joint patrols with neighbouring countries to block the gaps that enable their penetration,” said Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations.
The Lakurawa group, reportedly affiliated with Sahel-based terrorists from Mali and Niger, first made headlines in November with a deadly attack in Kebbi State that killed 17 people. Since then, their activities have intensified, with camps set up in Sokoto and Bauchi States.
Dr. Murtala Rufa’i, a researcher at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, said the group has been trying to establish a caliphate for decades and now has 1,500 to 1,800 followers, recruiting locals with money and resources.
With additional military deployments planned, authorities remain focused on securing the region and closing border vulnerabilities.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
