The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops are currently monitoring the activities of a new terrorist group operating in some local government areas of Sokoto and Kebbi States.
This confirmation follows a similar statement by the Nigerian Police Force, Sokoto State Command, on Wednesday, which acknowledged the presence of the group in at least five local government areas of the state.
A statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed that the Nigerian military has identified the new terrorist group operating in Kebbi and Sokoto States.
According to Buba, the group is reportedly affiliated with jihadi factions in Mali and Niger, raising security concerns in Nigeria’s northwestern region.
“The emergence of the group is linked to political instability in Mali and Niger, which has allowed extremist elements to spread into Nigeria. This group is a direct consequence of the political instability in these neighboring countries,” he explained.
However, he assured the public that the military is closely monitoring the group’s activities and developing strategies to counter any potential threats to national security.
It is also important to note that the Sokoto State Government had previously expressed concerns over the rise of another criminal group in the state known as the Lakurawas.
The State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, disclosed this while receiving participants from Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study tour in the state.
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Gobir stated that the Lakurawas group is believed to be faith-based and ideological. “An assessment carried out indicated that the group possesses sophisticated weapons, and their criminal activities have been observed in about five local government areas in the state. This unfortunate development comes at a time when the state is already grappling with banditry,” he said.
The Deputy Governor further emphasized that, as the threat grows, security authorities are working diligently to address it. “The state government has been collaborating closely with federal security agencies to tackle the numerous security challenges threatening the lives and property of our people,” he added.
Gobir expressed hope that the study tour would provide valuable insight into the nature of these emerging criminal activities and help offer solutions to ensure the security of lives and peaceful coexistence.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, explained that the National Defence College, established in 1992, is the country’s highest military education institution. He noted that the college is dedicated to selecting officers from the military, police, and strategic agencies to prepare them for high-level strategic responsibilities. To date, the college has graduated 2,982 participants, including many from 30 African and Asian countries.
