The Nigerian Police Force, Sokoto State Command, has confirmed the existence of a new armed Islamic group known as “Lakurawas,” which has been operating in five local government areas of the state. According to the police spokesman, Ahmed Rufai, the group has been active in Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illela, and one other local government area.
Rufai stated, “They have been in those areas for some years now. They are armed with weapons, and part of their agenda is to impose their own kind of religious practice on the people.”
He added that, surprisingly, the group has also been targeting suspected bandits, claiming to oppose illegal activities in their region.
Concerns over the group’s activities were echoed by the Sokoto State government. During a meeting with participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study tour in the state, Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir spoke about the emerging security threat posed by the sect.
“An assessment carried out indicated that the group possessed sophisticated weapons, and their criminal activities were observed in about five local government areas in the state,” Gobir said.
He noted that this new threat has come at a time when the state is already grappling with issues of banditry.
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Gobir assured the public that the state government and federal security agencies are collaborating to address the issue and protect lives and properties.
“As the threat was expanding, security authorities were working assiduously to address the emerging threat,” he said, emphasizing the state’s commitment to ensuring safety.
The deputy governor outlined ongoing efforts to tackle security challenges and expressed hope that the visiting study group from the National Defence College would provide valuable insights into the criminal activities and suggest lasting solutions.
The leader of the delegation, Air Vice Marshal Titus Dauda, highlighted the role of the National Defence College, which was established in 1992 as Nigeria’s highest military education institution.
“The college is dedicated to selecting officers from the military, police, and strategic agencies to prepare them for higher responsibilities,” he stated.
He mentioned that the college has graduated 2,982 participants, including officers from 30 African and Asian countries, reflecting its broad influence and importance in security and defense training.