• Terrorist Group Lakurawa: A new terrorist group, Lakurawa, has taken control of five local government areas in Sokoto State, Nigeria, collecting zakat and other levies from communities .
• Boko Haram and ISWAP: Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have been responsible for the displacement of 2.5 million Nigerians and the deaths of over 30,000 people since 2009 .
• Radicalization and Foreign Fighters: Boko Haram has resorted to conscripting thousands of boys and girls, and has abducted over 1,000 children in northeastern Nigeria between 2013 and 2018 .
• Terrorism Financing: ISWAP provides financial incentives to future fighters and young entrepreneurs in the region, offering loans to businesses and receiving goods and services from merchants .
• International Response: The United Nations Security Council listed ISWAP on the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List in February 2020 .
• Recent Developments: Following the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in May 2021, some fighters pledged allegiance to ISWAP .
Tragedy struck in Kebbi State, Nigeria, when over 15 people lost their lives in a clash between the Mera community and the terrorist group Lakurawa, allegedly linked to ISIS in the Sahel region. The incident occurred on Friday near Mera community in Augie Local Government Area, after Lakurawa members attempted to steal animals from a local herder .
The herder quickly alerted the community, and they banded together to confront the terrorists, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and many more injuries. The community managed to kill and injure some of the terrorists, but the surviving members escaped with their casualties.
In response to the attack, the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State visited the community to offer condolences, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police and the Emir of Argungu. A media aide to the Governor, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, confirmed the existence of Lakurawa in parts of the state and assured that authorities are working to contain the threat.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has been grappling with extremist violence, particularly from groups like Boko Haram and its offshoots, which have displaced millions and killed thousands . The rise of new terrorist groups like Lakurawa underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between authorities and local communities to prevent further bloodshed.
