The advent of a new terror organization, Lakurawas, in Sokoto State, Nigeria, has caused concern among citizens and authorities. This gang has seized control of five LGAs: Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illeila, and Silame.
Their operations include enforcing strict Islamic regulations, collecting zakat (Islamic almsgiving), and imposing levies on local people, which are similar to techniques used by other extremist groups like Boko Haram.
Lakurawas is said to have developed during a coup in the Niger Republic in July 2023, which hampered Nigeria-Niger military collaboration. This collapse enabled extremists from the Sahel area, namely Mali and Niger, to penetrate northern Nigeria.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the organization used the absence of coordinated security activities along the border to gain a foothold in Sokoto State.
Since their resurgence roughly eight months ago, Lakurawas have earned prominence for their extremist speeches and strict implementation of Islamic law. They have been known to enforce zakat on richer citizens, demanding 2.5% of their possessions and threatening seizure.
They also collect taxes in the form of agricultural output from local farmers, with married males contributing beans and married women contributing millet.
Residents first welcomed Lakurawas since they allegedly chased out local bandits who had been harassing the region. This impression rapidly changed as the gang attempted to establish their own governing system.
They monitor communities, removing mosque leaders who do not support their beliefs and punishing those who break their rigorous codes—smokers are severely beaten, and adolescents with unique haircuts are pushed into modifying their looks.
Lakurawas' recruiting method is especially disturbing. They look for volunteers in communities to help them enforce their regulations and policy areas.
Those who demonstrate allegiance are granted responsibility over areas of the hamlet to maintain order by the group's understanding of Islamic law. More ominously, parents are being pressured into marrying off their daughters to gang members, with stories claiming that over 10 girls have been married under duress.
The presence of Lakurawas has caused terror among the local inhabitants. Many locals believe this gang poses a greater danger than regular security services.
The group's influence and authority seem to be beyond the local district authorities' control. According to reports, several former bandits have joined Lakurawas, cementing their authority in the area.
In reaction to the developing issue, the Sokoto State administration has voiced significant worry over Lakurawas' actions. Deputy Governor Idris Gobir said that security authorities are aggressively trying to handle this developing danger while noting that the gang is equipped with modern weapons and a well-organized structure.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has declared that intelligence operations are underway to monitor and counter the group's actions. Security analysts have warned that Lakurawas represents a significant shift in Nigeria's terrorism landscape, with Sahelian jihadists attempting to establish a foothold within Nigerian borders after years of being kept at bay by joint military operations with neighboring countries.
The situation is exacerbated by persistent banditry in Sokoto State, making it more difficult for authorities to retain control.
The rise of Lakurawas presents a challenging issue to both local populations and the Nigerian government. As this gang continues to enforce its will by violence and extortion, it endangers not just the safety of people, but also the whole stability of Sokoto State.
The government's reaction will be critical in deciding whether they can reclaim control of these regions or fall victim to the rising influence of extreme ideas. The situation remains volatile as security personnel boost their attempts to combat this new danger while negotiating existing issues with banditry and community relations.
The following weeks will be key in determining how well Nigerian authorities can react to this concerning trend in their war against terrorism.
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