A new and increasingly deadly terrorist group, Lakurawas, has been causing havoc in northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states. The group, which emerged from the aftermath of the recent coup in Niger Republic, has been luring local youths with financial incentives to expand its influence and bolster recruitment. According to a report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the Lakurawas have been offering as much as N1 million to young men in exchange for their allegiance to the group’s cause. These incentives are part of an aggressive recruitment campaign aimed at vulnerable communities, combining financial rewards with ideological influence rooted in extremist views similar to those of Boko Haram.

In addition to their recruitment tactics, the Lakurawas group has recently escalated its violent activities. On Friday, a brutal attack on Mera village in Augie Local Government Area (LGA) of Kebbi state left at least 15 people dead. The attack occurred around 2 p.m., and significant cattle rustling was also reported during the assault. Local authorities have launched an investigation, with the state police commissioner, Bello Sanni, mobilizing officers to apprehend the perpetrators.

The deadly assault in Kebbi follows reports of Lakurawas’ growing presence in several northern Nigerian states, including Sokoto, where they are believed to operate in at least five LGAs: Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illela, and another. The group is said to be heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and has reportedly expelled local bandits from areas under its control, seizing their cattle in the process.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) recently declared nine suspected members of the Lakurawas group wanted. Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, confirmed that the group’s activities are spilling over from the destabilized Niger Republic and Mali, regions where the group’s ideology and operations are believed to have originated. The recent coup in Niger has disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbor, which has facilitated the infiltration of terrorist groups like Lakurawas into Nigeria’s northern border states.

The situation remains tense in both Sokoto and Kebbi, with security forces intensifying their efforts to combat the growing threat posed by the Lakurawas group. However, the group’s increasing violence and ability to recruit from local populations indicate that the battle to contain its influence will be a long and difficult one.