Lakurawa isn’t a new terror group

A former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has disclosed that the insurgent group Lakurawa, which has recently gained notoriety for attacks in Nigeria’s North-West, has existed for years.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Ejiofor refuted claims that the group is new, tracing its roots to Niger Republic and Mali. This comes after the Defence Headquarters announced the emergence of Lakurawa as a terror group operating in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

“The truth is they aren’t new,” Ejiofor stated during the program. “The group was initially formed by Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara, the former Nigerien military Head of State, as a vigilante group working with them. After his death, the Nigerien government neglected them, and they now scattered.”

Ejiofor explained that a district head in Sokoto State had invited the group to assist in maintaining security but was unaware of their ulterior motives. By 2018, the Sokoto State government sought to expel the group after its activities became concerning. “The part of the group from Mali left after the negotiation, but the other part from Niger stayed behind and continued operation,” he added.

Ejiofor further stressed that since Lakurawa is not as widespread as Boko Haram, there is an opportunity for the government and military to eliminate the group. He called for decisive action to curb the escalating insecurity.