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LUKURAWA: another insurgency sponsored by foreign body to destabilize Nigeria
LUKURAWA: another insurgency sponsored by foreign body to destabilize Nigeria
By: Zagazola Makama
A militant group known as LAKURAWA, originally formed as a self-defense force for Fulani communities in Niger in 1997, has become a formidable and increasingly radicalized presence in Nigeria’s northwest. Reports indicate the group has been active in armed banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnappings in Sokoto and Kebbi states, raising fears about the spread of violent extremism in the region.
Initially established to protect Fulani herders from Tuareg attacks, the LAKURAWA shifted its stance in 2012, when a faction allied with al-Ansar al-Sharia, a group pushing for a Sharia state in Mali’s Azawad region. The alliance resulted in a splinter group that began to adopt extremist ideologies, operating outside legal frameworks and often clashing with local authorities.
Sources indicate that in 2018, local leaders in Nigeria’s Gudu and Illela areas discreetly invited the group to help curb rising bandit activity, bypassing government channels—a move that has since drawn controversy.
Shortly after the Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted from power on July 26, 2023, as members of the presidential guard led a coup, reinstating military rule calling itself the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), LUKURAWA group was allegedly contracted by a foreign country to destabilized the country to restore President Buzoum. Each of the Lukurawa top men were given dollars equivalent to N10million Naira with a motorcycle while those with wives were paid about N15 million each with motorcycles as insenstives for their recruitment. Sophisticated equipment was also supplied to the group.
Meanwhile, the group have been existing in Nigeria since 2018, hibernating around the villages of Kebbi, Sokoto and some part of Zamfara. The people of the regions were comfortable with them as the LUKURAWA’s provided protection to them against attacks by armed bandits. In many cases, they reportedly confront and expel bandits and confiscate their cattle’s in areas under their control.
The LUKURAWA employ a combination of financial incentives and ideological influence to gain support among vulnerable communities but things soon start to fall apart when the extremist groups begin to impost ideologies linked to the Khawarij sect, similar to the beliefs of Boko Haram.
A Shift to Extremism
The LAKURAWA, which includes a diverse ethnic makeup of Malians, Arabs, Tuaregs, and Fulani, is notable for their distinct attire, with members often sporting beards and turbans. Known to communicate in Arabic, Tuareg, Fulfulde, and Hausa, they have easily integrated across communities, facilitating their expansion across the northwest. Their extremist shift was part of the plan to form alliances with larger insurgent groups, like Bandits and Boko Haram fueling insecurity in Nigeria’s northwestern and north-central zones. Their complex history and cross-border connections make it a difficult threat to neutralize.
Zagazola noted also that the group’s alignment with local insurgent factions echoes the circumstances that gave rise to Boko Haram. “This is a group with deep historical roots and a willingness to adapt its tactics, making it a highly destabilizing force. It was previously reported by Zagazola how the terrorists operates a significant smuggling network from Kebbi State’s Dole-Kaina, a border town connecting Nigeria and Niger. Large quantities of fuel, ammunition, and other supplies are reportedly transported across Nigeria’s borders, with items reaching terror groups across the Sahel and West African regions. These supplies including funding base pass through Niger and, in some instances, Benin Republic to reach Kompienga, a province in eastern Burkina Faso, which is a known hotbed for terrorist activity. Nigerian is increasingly challenged by these routes used for arms trafficking in the North West, which allow bandits and terror groups to sustain their operations.
LUKURAWA’s mission in Nigeria
The nefarious activities of the dreaded terrorist in Nigeria which has made lives and properties insecure in Nigeria could be attributed to the exploitation of mineral resources, expansion of extremist ideologies or the guise of Islam, and targeted recruitment of youths into their folds. Though their mission in Nigeria was not to wage direct war with the people or Armed forces of Nigeria. LUKURAWA, just like other war merchants, they were deployed to the North West to for the purpose of exploitation of the various natural resources in the regions of Kebbi, Zamfara and Sokoto states under the guise of protecting the local community.
Therefore, the burgeoning migrant smuggling, war merchants, drug and human trafficking industries do not only undermine the sovereignty of our country but also weaken the public confidence in the integrity of government policy.
Way forward
To effectively contain the Lukurawa group, a strategic, multi-dimensional approach is necessary given their complex history and their alliances with local and transnational extremist groups. We must Strengthen Intelligence and Surveillance by Conducting rigorous intelligence operations focused on Lukurawa’s recruitment methods, supply chains, and movement patterns is essential. Enhanced surveillance both through human intelligence and technological resources like drones can help preemptively identify Lukurawa’s activities and deter attacks. Lukurawa connections with local communities need careful investigation.
Community leaders who may have unofficial ties with the group should be sensitized to the risks of such alliances. Educating these communities on the broader security threats posed by Lukurawa, and providing alternative support or protection, can reduce the group’s influence.
Cut Off Financial and Logistical Resources by Identifying and disrupting Lukurawa’s sources of funding and weapon supplies is crucial especially from Niger republic and their foreign backed country. This could involve working with neighboring countries, especially Niger, where the group was initially formed, to monitor and regulate arms trafficking and cross-border trade activities that benefit Lukurawa.
Deploy Targeted Military Action with Local Collaboration:
Authorities should consider well-planned, targeted military actions to dismantle Lukurawa’s bases, with the support of local forces knowledgeable about the terrain. Collaborating with regional partners and leveraging the experience of local Civilian Joint Task Forces (CJTF) can improve operational effectiveness. Engage in Regional Diplomatic Efforts since Lukurawa has international connections, Nigeria should work closely with Niger, Chad, and Mali to develop a unified security strategy against armed groups that operate across borders. A joint task force or intelligence-sharing network with these countries would strengthen regional containment efforts.
By combining intelligence, military action, community engagement, and regional cooperation, authorities can implement a sustained strategy to weaken and contain the Lukurawa group, thereby improving security in affected areas.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
LUKURAWA: another insurgency sponsored by foreign body to destabilize Nigeria
Military
YOUR WELFARE, PROTECTION OF NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS MY TOPMOST PRIORITY” – ACTING COAS LT GEN OLUYEDE
YOUR WELFARE, PROTECTION OF NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS MY TOPMOST PRIORITY” – ACTING COAS LT GEN OLUYEDE
By: Our Reporter
The Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has promised to prioritise the welfare of troops of the Nigerian Army(NA) as well as the protection of Nigeria and Nigerians. The Ag COAS made these remarks on Wednesday 20 November 2024, during the official handing over of the Infantry Corps to his successor Major General Abdulkalifa Ibrahim in a regimented ceremony at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Jaji, Kaduna State. You will recall that until his appointment as the Ag COAS on 30 October 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he was the 56th Commander Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking further during the handing over ceremony, Gen Oluyede described his successor as a competent senior Infantry officer and a perfect gentleman whom he he believes will sustain the trajectory of moving the Corps forward. He charged all officers and soldiers of the Corps to give him all the needed cooperation and support to succeed. The Ag COAS expressed gratitude to all officers and soldiers of the NA for their massive turnout and support during the internment of the late COAS Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and prayed God to grant him eternal rest and continue to give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
While addressing troops of the Infantry Corps at the Major Bulama Parade Ground, the Ag COAS charged all officers and soldiers of the NA to put the unfortunate incident behind them, get back to work and deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements perpetrating insecurity in the country. He reassured them that their welfare would be prioritised. ” I am aware of your challenges and will tackle them head-on. Rest assured that anything that is yours will be given to you, ” he affirmed.
In his remarks, the new Commander Infantry Corps Maj Gen Abdulkalifa Ibrahim said he was delighted to take over command of the Infantry Corps from the Ag COAS, who until a few weeks ago was the Commander Infantry Corps. He appreciated the Ag COAS for moving the Infantry Corps forward through the implementation of laudable initiatives and execution of several infrastructural development projects. He lauded him for his many years of dedicated service to the Infantry Corps, the Nigerian Army, and the nation at large.
Maj Gen Ibrahim pledged to lead the Infantry Corps with integrity, courage, honour, and utmost dedication, embracing best practices in all he will do. “To my brave and dedicated fellow infantry men, both officers and soldiers, I recognise the sacrifices, resilience, and valour that define our infantry tradition. Your selflessness, teamwork, and unwavering loyalty inspire all of us. I urge you all to continue to embrace the Army’s core values of loyalty, integrity, discipline, selfless service, respect for others, and courage in the discharge of your responsibilities, ” he emphasized.
He further urged all officers and soldiers of the Corps to remain diligent, hardworking, and proactive so as to collectively confront security challenges in troubled regions, uphold the Infantry values, and protect the nation with pride. He added that he is open to ideas that would bring the Corps together and make it more cohesive and efficient.
Maj Gen Abdulkalifa Ibrahim is a member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and hails from Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. In the course of his illustrious career in the NA, he served as acting Garrison Commander in 1 Division, Commander 14 Brigade, General Officer Commanding 7 Division and also commanded the Multi National Joint Task Force Ndjamena, Chad among others. He has attended all courses commensurate to his rank, including the National Defence College Course 23.
He had served previously in Jaji at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry as member Training Team and later as Chief Instructor. He participated in several operations both within and outside the shores of the country, such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operations under the MNJTF. In 2023, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria awarded him the National honour of the Officer of the Order of the Republic (OFR). Similarly, the Chadian Government awarded him the national honor of ‘National Order of Chad’ (NOOC) for his contributions to peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Acting COAS later inspected ongoing projects in Jaji military Cantonment and paid a visit to the Command Engineering Depot at Rigachukun, Kaduna.
YOUR WELFARE, PROTECTION OF NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS MY TOPMOST PRIORITY” – ACTING COAS LT GEN OLUYEDE
Experts, CSOs Propose Bill to Outlaw Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Coalition of Civil Societies Organisations and several agricultural experts including farmers have proposed a bill for an Act for the prohibition of Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) in Nigeria, insisting that it is to guide against degeneration of health and wellbeing of Nigerians
The experts who took turns to speak at a press conference on investigative research and public hearing on GMOs.held on Wednesday in Abuja, said the proliferation of GMOs in the country is worrisome and should be outlawed in the country.
The Programme Manager of Health of the Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) Joyce Brown lamented that the Nigeria Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is yet to conduct any clinical trials on the GMOs being brought into the country, claiming that what is seen on their website is the applications for bringing in GMOs into the country with no assessments report to actually certify that the GMOs are safe.
She said the country does not need GMOs to solve it’s food insecurity, insisting that food insecurity is caused by poverty, insecurity, inequality among others, noting that instead of resorting to GMOs, the country should rather addressed the problems.
She however advised that looking at the country’s agricultural landscape, a sustainable approach such as agroecology should be adopted to boost food production and not GMOs
On his part, a renowned teacher and agricultural consultant, Prof Johnson Ekpere said that the previous government ratified GMO without understanding the basic precepts that guide GMO which is the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety
He stressed that the government must ensure that the basic tenets that guide this protocol is understood by those implementing the law for successful adoption and integration.
He also called on the government to set up a biosafety research facility that will help them understand what they are doing and take drastic risk assessment of our biotechnology
The Deputy Director of Center for Food Safety and Agricultural Research, Prof. Qrisstuberg Amua stated that NBMA should be a biosafety regulatory agency not a management agency, insisting that the misapplication of their names has translated them into a promoter of foreign technology that are at the detriment of Nigerians
He however warned that that the unregulated biosafety research can exercebate biosafety challenges which is what is currently manifesting in Nigeria as the chemical pesticides used are known disruptors of echo systems.
Another expert, Dr Segun Adebayo called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Completion and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to rise up their duty by controlling what is being brought into the country saying Nigerians are eating poison.
A farmer Mrs Ejim Nnena insisted that farmers say No to GMO as the adoption of the technology means poverty, serious nutrition crisis among others.
She maintained that if they are given GMO seeds and cannot replant it, it is poverty in disguise adding that if they have to spray chemicals to enable the seed germinate properly that means farmers are being pushed out of the field into slavery..
She said what farmers are asking for is adequate security on the farms, extension workers to guide the, mapped out areas for farm activities, provide seed banks.
Experts, CSOs Propose Bill to Outlaw Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria
Ghana Hands Over Reconstructed Nigerian Building
By: Michael Mike
Ghana has formally handed over to the High Commission of Nigeria in Accra the building that was reconstructed after it was demolished by the government in that country.
A statement on Wednesday by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the Government of the Republic of Ghana has today, 20th November, 2024 formally handed over a building belonging to the High Commission of Nigeria in Accra, Ghana.
“It is recalled that, the demolition of the building by Ghanaian authorities, was strongly condemned by the Nigerian Government, and following a series of high-level engagements, the Government of Ghana promised to reconstruct the block of four-bedroom flats.
“The handing over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Her Excellency, Mrs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway is seen as a commendable development and a symbol of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening the ties between both countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs applauds the laudable gesture and affirms that the reconstructed building embodies the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines the relationship between the Republic of Nigeria and the sister Nation, Ghana.
“The keys to the building were received by Minister of Foreign Affairs, who was represented by Ambassador Chimezie Ogu, Director, Foreign Service Academy, Lagos, on behalf of the Government of Nigeria.”
Ghana Hands Over Reconstructed Nigerian Building
Like a Cat with “Nine Lives”: A testament of resilience and patriotism
YOUR WELFARE, PROTECTION OF NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS MY TOPMOST PRIORITY” – ACTING COAS LT GEN OLUYEDE
Experts, CSOs Propose Bill to Outlaw Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria
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