written by Firdaous Olagunju and Asikpo Emmanuella-Joseph
Nigeria has since in the past witnessed different set of security threat. It can best be described as onion layers where there is always something when you think you have skewer.
It was a persistent and devastating set of attacks by the Boko Haram terrorist group in multiple regions across the country. The attacks marked a period in Nigeria that was characterized by high death tolls , destruction of properties, increased rate of missing and displaced persons to mention a few, and just when Nigerians saw a slight beacon of hope with the reduction in terror attack from the Boko Haram group, trouble seemed to be on the rise with the emergence of what could be seen as a new insurgence group in the nation.
THE EMERGENCE OF THE LUKARAWA TERROR GROUP
On the 7th of November, 2024, the director of Defense Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba from the Nigerian Defense Headquarters announced the existence of yet another new terror group known as the Lukarawa terrorist group, with majority of their activities also taking place in the northwestern part of Nigeria particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi state.
The terrorist group is believed to have originated from villages situated along the boarders between Nigeria and Niger Republic but penetrated into Nigeria due to the weak boarder security operations of the nation and according to reports, they initially set up camps in the villages along the Nigerian-Niger boarders for their operations. The group consists of persons both young and old, with as many as 1500+ members from the Tangaza and Gudu regions of Sokoto state, and their leaders include persons of the names of Abu Khadijah, Abdulrahaman (Idi), Dadi Gumba, Muhammed Abu, Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Walia, Ibrahim Suyaka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.
According to the former DSS director, Mr. Mike Ejiofor, the group was initially formed by Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara, the former Nigerien military Head of State, as a vigilante group working with him. However, after his death, the Nigerien government neglected them, leading to their dispersal. The Lukarawa terror group has falsely portrayed themselves as jihadists, misleading villagers and others. This misuse of the term “jihad” is a concerning trend, reminiscent of the Boko Haram terrorist group.
So, the concept of Lukarawa group’s action of jihad is flawed. According to a book KITAB AL-JIHAD WA’L-SIYAR (THE BOOK OF JIHAD AND EXPEDITION) from Sahih Muslim Book : 19
The word “Jihad” originates from the Arabic verb “jahada,” meaning “to exert oneself” or “to strive.” In its literal sense, Jihad refers to any form of effort or struggle. However, in an Islamic context, it specifically denotes the exertion of one’s utmost effort in the cause of Allah.
This can include both internal and external struggles, such as striving to improve one’s character or fighting against injustice. Crucially, Jihad is not synonymous with violence or terrorism. It is a broad concept encompassing various forms of struggle, including intellectual, spiritual, and physical efforts. The Quran emphasizes the importance of Jihad as the opposite of complacency or inaction, urging Muslims to actively engage in the pursuit of good and the eradication of evil. The meaning and the idea behind the concept of Jihad has been misconstrued and misunderstood.
Jihad is not synonymous with terrorism. It’s a call to strive for righteousness, to defend the oppressed, and to promote peace and justice. The Lukarawa group’s action are a misinterpretation of the concept behind jihad and a thereat the state’s security.
UNMASKING THE LUKARAWA TERROR GROUP: UNDERSTANDING THEIR ILLICIT ACTIVITIES
Although just coming into limelight in recent times, the activities of the Lukarawa terrorist group have been ongoing in Nigeria since the year 2018. According to Usman Alfadari, a resident of Tangaza, the terrorist group has been active in the area for more than six years.
The illicit operation of the group came into the spotlight as a result of the recent killings of people in the areas they operate in. Initially, when the group began operations, they were not known to engage in killing innocent people and residents in the areas, on the contrary, the residents of the affected places believed that the terrorist groups were operating in their favor to eliminate the operation of bandits in the North, unknown to then, they had ulterior motives of imposing their extremist ideologies unto them, and began by imposing animal taxes known as Zakat on herdsmen and cattle farmers, and seizing their cattle on failure to agree to paying such taxes.
On the 9th of November, 2024, at least 15 people lost their lives and several others were injured in a brutal attack by the Lukarawa insurgent group on a rural community in Kebbi state, Nigeria. The group had stolen livestock before launching the assault, according to eyewitnesses.
Prior to this attack, the terror group had been engaged in launching series of attacks on the residents, examples of which are The killing of the son of the district head of Tangaza, one of the traditional rulers who invited them, claiming that he was in possession of their N63 million.
The group also killed the district head in his palace after he disagreed to their claim. The terrorist are also known for stealing their cattle. The incessant attacks and operations of the group has become a cause for concern and a need for the government to respond soon.
THE WAY FORWARD.
The Nigerian Army has launched a counter-terrorism operation in Sokoto and Kebbi States, deploying troops from Operation Fasan Yamma to dislodge the Lakurawa terrorist group. According to a source within the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, the troops have received orders to mobilize to the troubled area and conduct clearance operations.
Furthermore, there have been negotiations ongoing with the government of Sokoto state. After the negotiations, Ex DSS also reported that despite negotiations with the Sokoto government, a portion of the group remains active, continuing rummaging towns in Sokoto. Neglecting a squad that was once a government-backed force is a big issue here. To address this, the following steps should be taken:
1. Official Dismissal: An official statement should be issued to inform the public that the group is no longer recognized or supported by the government.
2. Compensation: To reward their past service, the group members should receive appropriate compensation to help them reintegrate into society.
Even though Ex DSS continued in his statement that the Sokoto government had negotiations with them. The question is ‘Did these squad agree to the negotiations?’ I bet you want to answer that.
Stricter, and more reasonable measures ought to be put in place asides negotiations. Since the root cause of the emergence of this terror group was as a result of the growing military tensions between Nigeria and Niger, there should be a call for unity and strengthened relations between these two nations, and a truce should be established between them.
Finally , it is pertinent to note that the government of Nigeria may carry out all these measures but it would only amount to a wasted effort if the issue of poverty is not eradicated, especially in the northern part of Nigeria. Some of the persons being recruited into these groups are lured with money as a result of poverty and lack. Where the youths have access to good job opportunities and basic amenities, this will significantly reduced the rate of poverty and in turn the high rate of crime and insurgency in the nation.
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, vowed to “crush” the newly emerged terrorist group. Nigerians are in hopes hat this is not yet another empty promise by the government, but these groups will be evacuated from the country, as this is not just a regular day-to-day issue, but might result to what may become the continuation of horror in the country due to terrorism if quick and adequate measures are not taken.
Asikpo Emmanuella-Joseph is a 400-level law student at Lagos State University, Nigeria. A versatile and accomplished writer, she excels in academic, legal, and content writing, showcasing her impressive range and proficiency.
Firdaos Olagunju – Words are my solace, and stories are my passion. I write from the heart, sharing relatable moments that touch souls.
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