By Segun Onibiyo
(Abuja) What a difference 60 days makes in the history of a Nigerian insurgency. The mysterious but quickly spreading Islamist Insurgency known as Lakurawa (“the recruits”) reportedly was known by the Nigerian government as early as 2018 yet only identified by the military as an insurgency in November 2024.
Yet by mid -January 2025, Lakurawa’s estimated 1800 fighters seem to be in running battles with the Nigerian army, which for its part, has given them attention disproportionate to their numbers, according to security sources interviewed by TruthNigeria.
At least six terrorists were killed in a military operation targeting Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto State’s Gudu Local Government Area, on Sokoto’s far northwestern border, according to a Jan 16th statement by Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, a military spokesperson.
Whereas 6 members of the terror group were taken down, the operation resulted in a fierce gunfight that claimed the lives of five soldiers.
“Despite this success, the operation came at a heavy cost, as five gallant soldiers tragically lost their lives in the line of duty,” Abdullahi said.
Four AK-47 rifles, 160 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and one box of 12.7mm ammunition were recovered from the terrorists. This report was published by SaharaReporters.
Emerging Regional Threat
Lakurawa’s war front engages both armed forces of Niger Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. It is therefore a regional threat to several nations and has been linked to the international Al Qaeda movement. The Nigerian government says it is affiliated with Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
On a chilly harmattan night in Goumki, a small community within Yelou in Gaya County, Dosso Region in Niger republic, sharing a border with Nigeria to the southeast (specifically Sokoto State and Kebbi States). The peace of the community was shattered as suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group launched a brazen attack. The assault targeted a police post, leaving three officers dead and marking another violent chapter in the group’s ongoing reign of terror.
According to reports obtained by TruthNigeria, the incident occurred late on December 23, 2024, when approximately heavily armed men stormed the sleeping community.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local resident and member of the community guards, Mamman Lambu described the horrifying attack to TruthNigeria via telephone call: “The attackers overpower the officers, killed them before escaping. Not only did they kill three policemen, but they also made off with AK-47 rifles and ammunition.”
Expert Analysis
Major General Rogers Nicolas (Rtd), a former Theater Commander of Operation Lafia Dole, criticized local leadership for their failure to prevent such incidents. “Local government chairmen and traditional rulers in the five council areas where the Lakurawa group operates must be held accountable,” he stated.
General Nicolas argued that a lack of intelligence gathering at the local level contributed to the attack. “For over six years, this group has been active, yet little has been done to stop them. What are the local government chairmen and their security teams doing? Community guards (vigilantes) hunters, and local intelligence networks should be actively involved, but there seems to be a disconnect,” he said.
Security expert Paul Iwugiwei echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of coordinated intelligence efforts. “This attack highlights a serious breakdown in communication between local guards and the police. Ignoring even small pieces of information can lead to devastating consequences, as we’ve seen here.”
The Way Forward
As Lakurawa continues its operations in Sokoto and Kebbi states, the attack raises pressing questions about Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy. Analysts point to a growing disconnect between official narratives and the reality on the ground, which undermines public trust and the effectiveness of security operations.
Dr. Abdullahi, a security analyst, stressed the importance of a transparent and comprehensive approach: “Defeating terrorism requires consistent action, honest reporting, and sustained community engagement. Without these, progress will remain elusive.”
International Implications
The escalation of banditry and terrorist tactics in Northwest Nigeria poses broader regional and international concerns. The incoming U.S. administration faces the possibility of increased counter-terrorism involvement in Africa’s most populous nation.
Experts warn that the sophistication of groups such as Lakurawa, including their use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), could indicate ties to larger terrorist networks in the Sahel region. This evolution demands urgent military and intelligence adaptations to counter the threat effectively.
Segun Onibiyo is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
