The Kebbi State government has called on the Nigerian military to intensify efforts to combat the emergence of a new terror group known as Lukarawas in the Northwest.
A high-level delegation, led by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and former Governor Atiku Bagudu, met with Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa to address the escalating security threat.
The delegation included Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, APC National Organising Secretary Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, and former Attorney-General Alhaji Nasiru Junju.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, reported that the visit aimed to urge swift military action to contain the group, which recently killed 15 people in Mera, a community in Augie Local Government Area.
Gen. Musa assured the delegation of the military’s commitment to targeting the terror group.
The emergence of Lukarawas, with members allegedly from the Sahel region and known to speak French and Arabic dialects, has raised serious concerns.
Reports suggest they engage in forced recruitment and enforce their own justice system in affected areas, mainly in Sokoto and Kebbi states. The group’s arrival follows recent instability in Niger Republic, where military cooperation with Nigeria has weakened.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also called on the Federal Government to act decisively, stressing that the group should not be allowed to establish a foothold in the region. ACF spokesperson Prof. Tukur Mohammed Baba stated, “Lukarawas must not be tolerated or allowed to entrench itself, as happened with earlier insurgencies.”
The ACF also called for enhanced intelligence gathering, community involvement, and international collaboration to counter the threat effectively.
