News

LUKURAWA: another insurgency sponsored by foreign body to destabilize Nigeria

Published

12 months ago

November 13, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

Crime

Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

Published

15 minutes ago

October 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

By: Zagazola Makama

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Festac Division, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, who passed away while receiving medical treatment in Lagos.

The incident occurred on Oct. 24, 2025, at about 11:30 p.m., when the officer reportedly died at the Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, during a medical session for fibroid treatment.

Following the report, a delegation from the Command visited the hospital to confirm the development and make necessary arrangements.

“The corpse was evacuated to a public morgue for preservation and autopsy,”sources said.

The Command said arrangements were underway, in collaboration with the late officer’s family, to accord her a befitting burial.

CSP Ngbanoyen was described as a dedicated and disciplined officer who served the Nigeria Police Force with commitment and professionalism.

The Command expressed condolences to her family, colleagues, and friends over the tragic loss.

Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

News

Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

Published

6 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

By: Zagazola Makama

Hamza Ibrahim Idris, a bereaved husband in Maiduguri, Borno, has paid a touching tribute to his late wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was allegedly murdered by suspected phone snatchers.

In a heartfelt message titled “Ga Masoyiyata Nurse Hadiza Musa”, the widower expressed deep sorrow over the death of his wife, describing her as a virtuous woman, devoted mother, and compassionate health worker who dedicated her life to saving others.

“It’s been three days since my heart has burned with the pain of losing my wife, my life partner, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was killed in cold blood by those who snatched her phone,” he wrote.

“She was not just a wife she was my confidant, the mother of my three children, and the other half of my soul. We lived in love, understanding and mutual support, building dreams and hoping to grow old together. But now, that dream has been shattered,” he said.

The grieving husband described Hadiza as a woman of faith, humility and kindness who always put others first.

“As a nurse, she devoted her life to saving others with a smile and compassion. Yet, the life she saved was taken unjustly she died in faith and martyrdom,” he added.

He recounted the pain of their children’s repeated questions: “Daddy, where is Mommy?” a reminder, he said, of the irreplaceable void left by her death.

“Each time I hear those words, tears flow. In their faces, I see hers a woman of truth, love, and belief,” he said.

Offering prayers, he said: “Oh Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive her shortcomings, elevate her rank, grant her Aljanna Firdaus, bless her children, and give me strength and patience.”

He added that though Hadiza was gone, her love remained in his heart and prayers, expressing hope of reuniting with her in the hereafter “where there will be no pain, no tears, and no separation.”

“May Allah forgive and have mercy on my beloved wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa. May her grave be a garden of paradise. May He grant me patience and protect our children,” he concluded tearfully.

The incident, which occurred recently in Maiduguri, has sparked outrage among residents who have called for stronger security measures to curb rising cases of phone snatching and violent attacks in the city.

Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

News

Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey

Published

8 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey

By: Zagazola Makama

Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu’s appointment as the new Chief of Army Staff marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to consolidate gains in the fight against insurgency and strengthen national security.

Before his elevation to the apex position in the Nigerian Army, Gen. Shuaibu served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North-East, where his 14-month tenure was defined by tactical innovation, operational success, and deep civil-military engagement. His leadership transformed the counter-insurgency landscape, restoring relative stability to vast areas once dominated by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

Upon assuming command of OPHK, Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu prioritized operational readiness, launching an extensive refurbishment of key military assets to boost troop morale and combat capability. He spearheaded the repair of vital armoured platforms, including ten VP1 Type 89 APCs, five BMPs, three Steyr APCs, and six Camel MRAPs, ensuring optimal deployment for the 2024 dry-season operations.

These efforts culminated in the historic deep-clearance operations into Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuktu Triangle in early 2024, which dealt devastating blows to terrorist hideouts, supply chains, and command structures. His coordinated offensive operations neutralized more than 567 terrorists and dismantled several high-value enemy enclaves between February 2024 and March 2025.

Under his leadership, the integration of air and ground components reached new heights. The Nigerian Air Force component executed over 230 sorties and 232 interdiction missions, clocking more than 567 flight hours, while the UAV Command carried out 760 ISR operations totaling 6,674 hours. These precision missions enhanced battlefield awareness, enabling ground troops to conduct over 9,800 patrols, 2,700 ambushes, and 990 clearance operations with high success rates.

Intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of 161 terrorist logisticians and the surrender of over 121,000 insurgents and their families — a remarkable milestone that shifted the dynamics of the North-East conflict toward peacebuilding and reintegration.

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s counter-insurgency philosophy went beyond the battlefield. He introduced the Local Community Policing and Peace Enforcement (LCPPE) model in February 2024 — an initiative that deepened trust between the military and local communities. This approach paved the way for stabilization operations, including the resettlement of more than 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kukawa and other restored communities.

He also promoted civil-military cooperation through humanitarian and religious initiatives, including a Qur’anic Recitation Competition aimed at fostering moral resilience and unity among troops and civilians. Three participants were later sponsored for the Hajj pilgrimage — a gesture that reinforced goodwill and trust.

A hallmark of his tenure was the focus on infrastructure and troop welfare. He initiated the renovation and modernization of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Headquarters complex, constructed new escort and drivers’ lounges, refurbished soldiers’ accommodation, and built 30 two-bedroom community-based quarters for military families.

Additionally, the installation of long-range surveillance cameras in Monguno, Gajiram, and Kekeno enhanced operational intelligence and perimeter monitoring, further strengthening theatre-wide security.

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s command period witnessed the elimination of several notorious terrorist leaders, including Tahir Baga and Abu Rijal, whose deaths crippled jihadist coordination and recruitment. His effective decapitation strategy was complemented by humanitarian outreach, leading to a steady return of normalcy in major population centres across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

In recognition of these achievements, the North-East Theatre under his command received the Security Watch Africa Award in December 2024 as the Most Outstanding Defence Command in Africa, underscoring the effectiveness of his leadership and innovation in asymmetric warfare.

Now as Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shuaibu is expected to replicate his transformative approach on a national scale. Security analysts and defence watchers believe his deep operational experience and emphasis on community-driven stability will guide the Nigerian Army toward renewed efficiency and professionalism.

His appointment signals continuity, discipline, and modernization — values he consistently championed throughout his command. Stakeholders within defence and civil sectors alike express optimism that his era will usher in strategic reforms to fortify Nigeria’s military capabilities and accelerate victory against insecurity.

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s rise from Theatre Commander to Army Chief embodies the success of merit, dedication, and results-oriented leadership, a journey rooted in courage, intellect, and an unyielding commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria.

Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey