Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine terrorists wanted, as revealed during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. Unlike previous instances, there was no bounty announced for capturing these individuals. The wanted terrorists include Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba (also known as Abu Muhammed), Usman Kanin Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, BA Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.
Alongside this declaration, the DHQ announced the emergence of a new terrorist group, ‘Lukarawas,’ primarily active in northwestern Nigeria. Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted the group’s origins, explaining that it arose from the Republic of Niger following the recent coup there. “The group infiltrated northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States, particularly from the Niger Republic and Mali, after the coup in Niger disrupted military cooperation,” Buba stated.
He added that before the political crisis in Niger, joint border operations between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces successfully kept terrorists at bay. However, the recent breakdown in this partnership allowed the Lukarawas to exploit the situation. “This new group is affiliated with ISIS in the Sahelian region, marking the first attempt by Sahelian jihadists to establish a foothold in our country,” Buba disclosed. “We know exactly where they are as I speak to you,” he assured.
Buba urged local communities to promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities, pointing out that some residents initially welcomed the terrorists, hoping for protection against other threats. “They embraced them, allowing them to settle in and spread their ideology. Once settled, they began imposing levies on the locals. It was only then that the residents felt compelled to notify us,” he explained.
The Major General criticized this delay in reporting, stressing that community cooperation is essential for success in the fight against terrorism. “Winning this war without the support of the people is impossible,” he emphasized. Buba also noted that the Lukarawas, like Boko Haram, enforce strict practices such as long beards for men and hijabs for women, making them identifiable. “I urge Nigerians to help us help you,” he appealed.
He assured that the military is actively conducting Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to weaken the group’s capabilities. According to Buba, the Lukarawas exploit vast, under-governed areas to evade troops, hide, and harass locals. “Now that we know where they are, we are finding them and flushing them out,” he declared.
The DHQ remains committed to locating and eliminating this new threat while continuing broader counterterrorism efforts across affected regions.