Nigerian Military perfects strategy to terminate new terrorist group ‘lukarawas’ in two States – Crime Channels
Nigerian Military perfects strategy to terminate new terrorist group ‘lukarawas’ in two States
The Nigerian military recently revealed the existence of a new terrorist group, Lukarawas, operating in Sokoto and Kebbi states in the northwest.
This group, which is affiliated with ISIS, reportedly crossed into Nigeria from Niger Republic and has been causing significant disruption in the region.
According to the military, the local population initially failed to report the group’s presence, mistakenly believing they posed no threat until the situation escalated.
Defence spokesperson Maj-Gen Edward Buba emphasised that Nigerian forces are now targeting the group with the aim of completely eliminating the threat.
He noted that the group’s operations have been facilitated by the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger following the recent coup in Niger, as well as the challenging terrain in the region.
Despite this, Buba assured the public that intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts are ongoing to locate and neutralize the group.
The appearance of Lukarawas in the northwest adds a new layer of complexity to Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism, which has been primarily focused on Boko Haram in the northeast and banditry in the northwest.
The military continues to combat these threats while also addressing the growing insurgency in the north-central region, where some local gang leaders are reportedly considering surrender.
Buba said: “Like I have always said, the terrorists are left with the option of surrendering or killed in the battle field. There is no third option.
“For those that are now willing to surrender, surrendering is part of war. In war, there is a window of surrendering. When an enemy raises his hands up and drops his weapon, it is crime to shoot at him. And we are a professional force. They have indicated they want to surrender, but they are afraid if we will take them out in the process. But we have assured them that we will create a safe corridor for them to surrender and drop their arms, and we will receive them.
“Afterall, we are receiving surrendered terrorists in the Northest.”
