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Lakurawa Terrorists: A Memo to NSA, Security Chiefs
By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,
Last week, the Defence and Force Headquarters confirmed the existence of a new terror group, “Lakurawa,” operating in the Northwest, particularly in the Kebbi and Sokoto axes.
This joint statement substantiates an earlier alert raised by Sokoto lawmaker representing Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives about the presence of this highly-dangerous criminal syndicate in the state.
Both Sokoto and Kebbi States have long struggled with attacks from organized bandits who routinely disrupt socio-economic activities by killing, abducting for ransom, rustling livestock, imposing levies, and destroying farmlands.
Given the current trajectory of Nigeria’s security landscape, it is imperative that no state should be forced to face additional security challenges in any form.
The most concerning aspect of the emergence of this new terror group is the fear that, if not immediately confronted and neutralized, the situation may escalate to a level comparable to the persistent Boko Haram insurgency, which has plagued the BAY states (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe) in the Northeast.
Boko Haram initially surfaced as a minority group in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, known for violent extremism and radical ideology under the pioneer leadership of the late Mohammed Yusuf. Although the group existed for years, it became widely known in 2009, when it began its violent campaign and declared war on the state, demonstrating its desire to establish a Caliphate—a development that Nigeria’s government, under the late President Umar Musa Yar’adua, condemned as treasonous.
It is unfortunate that Nigeria has been unable, for over a decade, to fully contain Boko Haram, a non-state actor that not only recruited and radicalized others within society but also formed alliances with terrorist syndicates operating across Africa and the Middle East, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. Numerous captured insurgents have been identified as non-Nigerians, highlighting the group’s international ties.
In addition, a faction of Boko Haram evolved into the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), another powerful group wreaking havoc across communities in the Northeast. Boko Haram has now expanded operations into Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, turning a local problem into a regional crisis. This concerning trajectory raises questions about governmental and institutional response.
Similar to Boko Haram, reports indicate that “Lakurawa” has been active in Sokoto villages for the past six years. In October 2018, around 200 jihadis reportedly arrived in Sokoto’s Gudu and Tangaza areas from across the Niger border. Local accounts describe them as “light-skinned, Arabic- and Fulfulde-speaking herders” from Mali.
Specifically, communities in Tangaza and Gudu LGAs raised an alarm over suspicious activities by herders in the Marake and Tsauni forests. Initial police investigations concluded that this armed group, locally known as Lakurawa, were merely herders. However, recent reports from HumAngle suggest that, although the police suspected the group was heavily armed, they deemed them seasonal visitors from Niger.
Last week, however, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters labeled the so-called herders a new terror group linked to Sahel-based jihadists. “The terrorists exploited gaps in border cooperation and difficult terrains to infiltrate remote areas in Northwestern states and spread their ideology,” said Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations.
The military has now declared nine members of this group wanted, including Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba a.k.a. Abu Muhammed, Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.
Reports suggest the group operates in Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Binji, and Silame, entering border communities from Niger, Chad, and Mali. Residents say the terrorists preach in Hausa and Fulfulde, impose levies, and even help locals combat other bandit groups so as to gain influence.
The Nigerian Armed Forces have now taken action against this terror group, though they initially blamed residents for allowing the sect’s presence. However, at this point, it is not productive to start shifting blame on who is responsible for the earlier incursion, settlement, and expansion of territories by the terror group. Instead, all security actors must collaborate to assess this threat and devise viable solutions to prevent it from escalating, as was the case with Boko Haram.
The intelligence community—including the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and National Intelligence Agency (NIA)—must work together to gather actionable intelligence on this group to swiftly address the threat.
Furthermore, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu, should play a central role in coordinating interagency efforts. Adequate support and logistics are essential to ensure our security forces can operate effectively.
Subsequently, local residents must also contribute by reporting any suspicious movements, enabling timely responses.
No doubt, with a whole-of-society approach, the issue of Lakurawa and similar security threats in Nigeria can be effectively managed and become a thing of the past.
Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi, an NDA research student, is the author of National Security Strategies: A Young Writer’s Perspective. He wrote from Kano via ymukhtar944@gmail.com
- … Endorses Solar Drive, Sets Sights on 2030 Energy Targets
- …Urges Journalists to Support, Not Sabotage Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition
In a renewed push for sustainable national development, civil society organizations have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s shift to renewable energy, commending the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) for its commitment to powering underserved communities through clean energy solutions.
Under the umbrella of the CSOs Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), stakeholders held a press briefing in Abuja themed “Powering Nigeria’s Future: Advocating for a National Shift Toward Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development.”
Speaking at the event, CBIAMEC Chairman, Ambassador Splendour Agbonkpolor, emphasized that renewable energy holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity, job creation, and climate resilience. He described Nigeria’s energy access gap, where over 85 million citizens still lack electricity as a national emergency that demands bold, innovative, and inclusive solutions.
“We are here today not just to speak truth to power, but to align with power that works for the people. Renewable energy is not just a technology; it’s a tool for justice, equity, and human dignity.”Agbonkpolor said.
The committee particularly commended FG for its strategic initiatives aimed at deploying 4 megawatts of renewable energy in all 36 states and the FCT, as well as a separate plan to deliver 5 megawatts to every local government in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
“These projects are not only ambitious, they are necessary. They represent a real chance to lift communities out of darkness, boost local economies, and bring Nigeria closer to its renewable energy target of 30% by 2030.” Agbonkpolor noted.
The committee also addressed the ongoing ₦10 billion in the 2025 approved budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa. While acknowledging growing media interest and public scrutiny of the initiative, CBIAMEC clarified that its position is not one of opposition but of constructive engagement.
“We had a fruitful interface with the Director General of ECN where detailed clarifications were provided on procurement procedures, project scope, and transparency mechanisms. The Commission assured us that all steps are being taken in line with the Public Procurement Act, including competitive bidding and regular performance audits.” Agbonkpolor added.
The group pledged to serve as an independent watchdog, monitoring the implementation to ensure the solar intervention truly benefits the people and delivers value for every kobo spent. “We will be vigilant, objective, and fact-driven in our oversight role.”
Meanwhile the Committee also raised concerns over what it described as “media trials” that could derail public trust and investment in renewable energy projects. It urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information, and avoid sensationalism that may hinder national progress.
“We are not calling for silence, we are calling for responsibility. The media has a powerful role to play in this transition, not as saboteurs, but as storytellers of change and partners in development.” he restated.
The briefing concluded with a five-point call to action, encouraging households to explore solar home systems, innovators to invest in green technology, communities to support mini-grid projects, policymakers to prioritize renewable energy in national planning, and the media to amplify success stories in the sector.
- …Sets the stage for a future of more possibilities
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially marked the incredible milestone of its 80th anniversary on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Celebrated as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank was founded on May 2nd, 1945, as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited; an institution that has now evolved from a single-branch operation aimed at empowering indigenous Nigerians into a formidable force that continues to blaze the trail in Nigeria’s banking and financial industry.
From bridging gaps in access to finance for underserved Nigerians to empowering businesses with insightful financial solutions and support, providing a platform for other industries to thrive and proactively delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of every Nigerian, Wema Bank has built a legacy of impact for 8 decades. With millions of customers and global presence via 150+ branches and the ALAT App, Wema Bank continues to set the pace in customer-centric innovation and impactful banking.
Extending heartfelt gratitude to the Bank’s stakeholders, Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank reiterated the Bank’s commitment to continue going above and beyond in service of its customers in the decades to come. According to him, “Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation. This is an 80-year-old bank that began to set the pace for indigenous businesses in the depths of colonial rule and has remained resolute in carrying on that mission since 1945, showing the world that ‘Nigerian-owned’ can last, and institutions can be agents of transformation in their own capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone”.
“I take this moment to express my sincerest gratitude to every person and institution that has played a part in Wema Bank’s success story. From our customers to shareholders, investors, partners to employees past and present, and every other stakeholder whose efforts run in the veins of this great Bank. We are Wema and I take this moment, on behalf of the Board and Management of the Bank, to reiterate our lifelong commitment to you. Wema Bank is built to last, Wema Bank is built for you and Wema Bank will never relent in delivering optimum value to you. It has been 80 years of impact, and as we look ahead to a future of limitless possibilities, our promise to you remains the same. We Are With You, All The Way!”, Oseni concluded.
Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary has taken the world by storm, with a major highlight being the Wema at 80 Gala Night scheduled to hold in Lagos at 6 p.m. on Friday May 2nd, 2025. Headlined by Afrobeats stars Davido and Wande Coal, Fuji legend Ayuba, vocal sensation Yinka Davies, 9ice and a star-studded lineup of celebrities, dignitaries and stakeholders; the night promises to be one for the books, convening 8 decades of generations in a glamorous ceremony themed ‘Timeless Elegance’.
Anyone can be a part of the Wema at 80 Gala Night by tuning in live at 7 p.m. to the Bank’s YouTube Channel as well as select national TV stations.
The Africa Trade Consortium, a premier platform for promoting intra-African trade, is set to host its 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” on May 14th, 2024, at the Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja. This annual event, organized by PR Times Africa Media Ltd, aims to boost trade relations within the continent and explore new business opportunities.
*Key Highlights of the Event:*
– *Date:* May 14th, 2024
– *Time:* 10:00 am
– *Venue:* Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja
– *Theme:* “Tea Break Edition”
– *Objective:* To promote intra-African trade, strengthen economic cooperation, and unlock new trade opportunities in the tea industry and related sectors.
*This Year’s Focus:*
The 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” will bring together top decision-makers, businessmen and women, and diplomats from diverse regions of the continent to discuss the tea industry as a business opportunity and explore related trade prospects. The event will also address key challenges facing trade within the continent, including trade barriers, border challenges, security, and weather-related issues.
*Quotes from the Organizers:*
“The Africa Trade Consortium is committed to fostering economic growth and development within the continent by promoting trade and investment,” said the Lead Consultant of PR Times Africa Media Ltd and Convener of the Africa Trade Consortium. “We believe that the tea industry has immense potential for growth and we look forward to exploring new trade opportunities with our partners from across Africa.”
*About the Africa Trade Consortium:*
The Africa Trade Consortium is a trade initiative launched in Abuja, Nigeria in 2022. Its primary objective is to promote trade between Nigeria and other African countries, fostering economic cooperation and collaboration among nations on the continent. The consortium brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including government, private enterprise, and civil society, to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
For more information, please visit (link unavailable) or call +234802422404.
CSOs Back Nigeria’s Clean Energy Push, Applaud ECN’s Commitment
Wema Bank Celebrates 80 Years of Impact
