Military Raises Concern as New Terriorist Group ‘Lukarawas’ Emerges in North West of Nigeria

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…..Military Warns of Emerging Terrorist Group ‘Lukarawas’ in North-West….

The Military High Command sounded a fresh alarm on Thursday over the rise of a new terrorist group known as ‘Lukarawas’ in Nigeria’s North-West. Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, raised these concerns during a press briefing in Abuja, where he discussed the military’s ongoing counter-insurgency efforts across various operational zones in the country.

Buba explained that ‘Lukarawas’ originated from the Republic of Niger following the recent coup that disrupted military cooperation between Niger and Nigeria. “The new terrorists began incursions into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in the Niger Republic,” he said. He noted that prior to the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces kept the terrorists at bay. With this cooperation suspended, the terrorists exploited unmonitored areas and difficult terrains to infiltrate remote parts of the North-West.

The major-general expressed regret over the group’s initial acceptance by local communities who believed the terrorists had good intentions. This trust led locals to refrain from alerting security forces about the group’s movements. Buba also disclosed that the military had declared several group members wanted, noting that ‘Lukarawas’ continued to exploit vast, under-governed areas to evade troops and harass civilians.

Buba affirmed that the military was intensifying its efforts, including using intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), to counter the threat. “Our gallant troops are locating them and eliminating the threat,” he emphasized, appealing to citizens for information that could aid in identifying the criminal elements.

This announcement coincided with assurances that the recent passing of Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, would not hinder the military’s commitment to ending terrorist activities. Instead, Buba expressed that the troops were further motivated to honor the late General, a respected commander dedicated to defeating terrorism.

Reflecting on the armed forces’ achievements over the past month, Buba reported, “Troops have done a tremendous job of significantly dismantling terror groups across the country.” He detailed a strategy focused on undermining these groups’ operational capabilities. “Troops conducted simultaneous strikes on several terrorist enclaves and hideouts. The Airforce carried out precise bombardments and air interdiction, weakening the terrorists’ fighting capabilities,” he explained.

In response, he noted, several terrorists have signaled a willingness to surrender. “We are opening a surrendering corridor for that purpose,” Buba said, affirming that the military respects surrenders, even in battle, as it is unlawful to attack those indicating surrender.

Buba outlined the military’s recent accomplishments, stating that within the last month, troops neutralized 481 terrorists, arrested 741 individuals including terror affiliates, and rescued 492 kidnapped victims. In addition, the forces recovered 480 weapons and over 9,000 units of ammunition, while thwarting oil theft worth nearly 4 billion Naira. In October alone, military seizures included 263 AK-47 rifles, 81 locally fabricated guns, and various other weapons and ammunition.

Further details revealed the interception of 3.2 million liters of stolen crude oil, nearly 764,000 liters of illegally refined diesel, and over 12,000 liters of petrol, among other assets.

Maj.-Gen. Buba assured the public that the armed forces remain steadfast in their mission to eliminate terrorism and restore peace, reiterating that “the military remains in a strong position in this war and will secure victory for the safety of our nation.”

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