The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with military forces from Chad, Niger, and other neighboring countries, has initiated joint patrols to combat the growing threat of the Lakurawa terrorist group.
This coordinated action aims to curb the group’s cross-border activities and prevent further destabilization in the region.
The Lakurawa group, associated with extremist factions in Mali and Niger, became a significant security concern after launching its first major attack on November 4.
The group had been operating in northern Nigeria and neighboring countries, including establishing camps in Sokoto and Bauchi states.
These camps, found in areas near the Nigeria-Niger border, were used to organise attacks on local communities, extorting taxes from villagers and stealing livestock.
Sokoto State authorities have expressed frustration over the group’s ability to exploit weak borders, which has hindered efforts to contain their activities.
Local leaders report that the group has managed to recruit individuals by offering financial incentives and essential resources like farming tools, while also planning to establish a caliphate in the region.
The group’s activities intensified after the coup in Niger, culminating in several attacks. The latest incident, reported on December 5, involved the group planting a bomb under a bridge in Zamfara State, killing a driver and injuring others during a military pursuit.
The Nigerian Army has since increased its security presence, with additional personnel deployed to key areas.
Despite these efforts, the group has been able to evade capture due to Nigeria’s porous borders.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, confirmed that the joint patrols were crucial in addressing these security gaps.
Local security experts also highlighted the role of unsecure borders in exacerbating the region’s instability.
Sokoto State’s government and local officials continue to push for greater security measures, calling on both federal forces and newly established local guard corps to strengthen border defenses.
While some progress has been made in restoring peace to affected areas, the ongoing challenge of securing these porous borders remains a major obstacle in the fight against the Lakurawa group.
