DHQ says Lukarawas, ISIS affiliate Terror Sect in Nigeria’s NW, declares nine terrorists wanted

In this image from video broadcast by RTB state television, coup spokesman Capt. Kiswendsida Farouk Azaria Sorgho reads a statement in a studio in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso, on Friday evening, Sept. 30, 2022. Members of Burkina Faso's army seized control of state television late Friday, declaring that the country's coup leader-turned-president, Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, had been overthrown after only nine months in power. The statement announced that Capt. Ibrahim Traore is the new military leader of Burkina Faso, a volatile West African country that is battling a mounting Islamic insurgency. (RTB via AP)

By AGATHA NWOKOCHA, Abuja

Nine notorious terrorists operating in the north west of Nigeria have been declared wanted.

The Nigerian defence authorities on Thursday declared the deadly terrorists wanted, urging the public to provide any information they know about the wanted criminals.

The defence authorities have disclosed of an emerging terrorists sect in the north west called Lakurawas. Their origin is traceable to ISIS in the Sahelian Region, who capitalized on the collapsed joint border operations with Nigerian security forces at the Niger/Chad borders, which checkmated the terrorists.

Further revelation is that the Lukurawas are affiliates of terrorists from Republics of Mali and Niger. They started infiltrating into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from the Niger and Mali areas, particularly after the coup in Niger Republic.

Meanwhile, some terrorist leaders, commanders and combatants have indicated to surrender. “We are opening a surrendering corridor for that purpose”, disclosed the Defence Headquarters.

Defence spokesman, Maj Gen Edward Buba who briefied journalists on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria assured that the military will continue work decisively to kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity in the nation and ensure the safety of citizens.

Gen Buba who gave update on the the theartres of operations across the country said troops have done a tremendous job of significantly dismantling the terror groups across the country, in various theatres of operations.

“Our strategy remains to undermine the ability of these terror groups and their cohorts, Buba who is also the Director Defence Military Operations stressed.

According to the director, “Troops conducted simultaneous strikes on several terrorist enclaves and hideouts across the country. The Airforce carried out bombardments and air interdiction on these terrorist hideouts and enclaves with precision, thereby diminishing the fighting capabilities of these terrorist. .

“Truly, the terrorist knows that they cannot match our military strength. The options open to them is to surrender or be killed in the battlefield.

“Accordingly, some terrorist leaders, commanders and combatants have indicated to surrender. We are opening a surrendering corridor for that purpose.

“It is noteworthy, to state that, in October 2024, troops neutralized 481 terrorists. Other details are that, troops arrested 741 persons including terrorist. Troops also rescued 492 kidnapped hostages.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 480 weapons and 9,026 assorted ammunitions. Whilst they denied the oil theft of an estimated sum of close to #4 bn (N3,896,400.960.00) only.

Breakdown for the month of October includes and is not limited to the following: 263 AK47 rifles, 81 locally fabricated guns, 91 dane guns, 76 pump action guns, 5,683 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,944 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 642 cartridges, 160 assorted arms and 1,526 assorted ammunitions. “Others are 3,226,645 litres of stolen crude oil, 763,860 litres of illegally refined AGO and 12,690 litres of PMS amongst other item.

“On the whole, even as the armed forces mourn the tragic passing away of the COAS, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja. We will not allow his passing to derail our focus to destroy the terrorists. We are rather inspired by his actions on the battlefield as a war commander as well as his strong desire to defeat the terrorist in order to end the war”.