The Sokoto State Government has raised alarms about the emergence of a new terrorist group known as LAKURAWAS operating in the region.
Deputy Governor Idris Gobir shared this information during a meeting with participants from Course 33 of the National Defence College in Abuja, who were visiting Sokoto for a study tour.
According to Gobir, LAKURAWAS is driven by a religious ideology and is armed with sophisticated weapons. “Our assessment indicates that LAKURAWAS is active in around five local government areas within the state,” he stated.
Gobir expressed his concern over this development, particularly as the state is already facing significant challenges from widespread banditry. “The threat is expanding,” he remarked, noting that security agencies are actively working to address this new peril.
He emphasized the ongoing collaboration between the state government and federal security forces to protect lives and property. The Deputy Governor also outlined various measures the state has implemented to tackle these security issues, hoping that the insights gained from the National Defence College study tour would aid authorities in understanding the evolving threats and formulating effective strategies for restoring peace.
Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, the head of the visiting delegation, provided context on the college, which has been Nigeria’s leading military institution since its establishment in 1992.
He mentioned that the college trains officers from the military, police, and other strategic agencies for high-level roles, with a total of 2,982 participants graduating, including representatives from 30 African and Asian countries.
At the conclusion of the tour, Dauda announced that the team would compile both oral and written reports detailing their observations and recommendations for enhancing security in Sokoto State.