Lakurawa terrorists kill 5 in Niger Republic over ‘failed marriage proposal’

Suspected members of the Lakurawa terror group have killed five people in a series of attacks on Gueza, a village in the Dosso region of Niger Republic.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the attacks occurred in two phases, with five villagers “strangled to death” in the first incident.

The publication noted that the attacks were linked to a personal dispute involving a Lakurawa leader.

The militants reportedly retaliated after the village chief’s representative intervened to protect a woman whose family sent away to evade the group leader’s marriage proposal.

“According to community members, the violence was provoked by a Lakurawa leader’s pursuit of a local woman,” the report said.

”After the village chief’s representative warned the woman’s father, the girl was sent away to live with relatives. Enraged by the action, the militants retaliated, resulting in the deaths of two more villagers.”

The report added that the Lakurawa group has been exploiting the Niger–Nigeria border,  following the July 2023 coup in Niger Republic.

“The group initially operated in Nigeria’s Sokoto and Kebbi states, gaining some local acceptance by protecting communities from banditry,” the report said.

“However, they have since transitioned to imposing Sharia law, collecting taxes (zakat), and resorting to violence to maintain control.

“The Lakurawas are known for their distinctive appearance — turbans, beards, and multi-ethnic composition, which includes Malians, Tuaregs, Fulani, and Arabs.

“They communicate in several languages, including Arabic, Tuareg, Fulfulde, and Hausa, enabling them to integrate seamlessly into various communities and expand their influence.

“Following increased military pressure in Nigeria, many Lakurawa fighters fled into Niger, establishing footholds in Dosso and Tillabéri, regions marked by weak state presence.

“The porous border and the lack of coordinated patrols between Niger and Nigeria have provided the group with a significant operational advantage.”

Makama warned that without joint military efforts, the Lakurawas would continue to exploit local weaknesses and escalate their threat.

“Their connections to larger jihadist networks in the Sahel, such as Boko Haram and al-Qaeda, provide them with resources, including arms and logistical support,” the report added.

“Without regional cooperation, these militants will only grow stronger, further destabilising border communities.”