DHQ declares ‘9 Lakurawa terrorists’ wanted

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group wanted.

They are Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba a.k.a Abu Muhammed, Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu and Idris Taklakse.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said the new terror group emerged from the Niger Republic following the coup which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and the neighbouring country.

He said the terrorists began infiltrating northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from Niger Republic and Mali.

Buba added that prior to the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces kept the terrorists at bay.

He said the group continues to use the vast under-governed areas to evade troops and harass local populations.

“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited the difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” he said.

Buba added that the group was initially welcomed by locals who believed they had good intentions.

He noted that the locals failed to inform military and security agencies of the terrorists’ movements.

The defence spokesperson assured Nigerians that troops have sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to weaken the terrorists.

He said the troops are “actively locating the terrorists to neutralise their threats”.