Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, has reported the emergence of a new terrorist group known as the Lakurawas, which is reportedly offering substantial financial incentives to recruit young men in Sokoto state.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) recently declared nine suspected members of the Lakurawas group wanted. According to Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the group originated from the Niger Republic following the recent military coup there, which disrupted Nigeria’s collaborative security efforts with Niger.
The terrorists are reportedly infiltrating the northern regions of Sokoto and Kebbi states from Niger Republic and Mali. As part of an aggressive recruitment campaign, sources cited by Zagazola Makama indicate that the group is offering as much as N1 million to young men in exchange for their allegiance.
“Unlike traditional criminal gangs, the Lakurawa adhere to extremist ideologies linked to the Khawarij sect, echoing similar beliefs upheld by Boko Haram,” the publication noted. Local sources report that the Lakurawas employ a combination of financial rewards and ideological influence to attract followers among vulnerable communities.
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