A counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, has reported that Lakurawas, a newly formed terrorist group, is offering significant financial incentives to lure youths in Sokoto State.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) recently declared nine suspected members of the Lakurawas group wanted. Edward Buba, the director of defence media operations, explained that this new terror group emerged from the Niger Republic following a recent coup that disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and the neighbouring country.
Buba noted that the Lakurawas have been infiltrating northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states, extending their influence from Niger Republic and Mali.
According to Zagazola Makama, the group is reportedly offering up to N1 million to young men as an incentive to join their ranks.
Makama, citing unnamed sources, indicated that these financial rewards are part of an aggressive recruitment strategy designed to attract new followers and bolster their operations.
The publication said, “Unlike traditional criminal gangs, the Lakurawa are reported to adhere to extremist ideologies linked to the Khawarij sect, similar to the beliefs of Boko Haram.
“Local sources suggest that they employ a combination of financial incentives and ideological influence to gain support among vulnerable communities.
“Beyond the recruitment, the Lakurawa reportedly confront and expel bandits and confiscate their cattle in areas under their control.
“The Lakurawa extremists are yet to carry out any attack in the North West.”
