By Mike Odeh James and Luka Binnyat
Kaduna, Nigeria
Security experts are sounding the alarm over Lakurawa, a burgeoning jihadist group in Nigeria, which they warn could become as dangerous as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). This emerging threat has sparked grave concerns due to its growing influence, radical ideology, and strategic positioning.
Mimicking the Tactics of Boko Haram and ISWAP
David Onyilokwu Idah, a former UN Human Rights Commission member, described Lakurawa’s operations as eerily similar to established terrorist groups. “The group enforces strict Islamic laws, bans vigilantes, imposes Sharia law, and collects religious taxes (Zakat) under duress. Their control extends to dress codes, mandating hijabs for women and specific grooming standards for men,” Idah said. Lakurawa has also reportedly executed individuals opposing their rule, mirroring the brutality of Boko Haram and Al Shabaab.
A Dangerous Extremist Ideology
Bulama Bukarti, a senior fellow at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, highlighted the group’s strategic narrative. “Lakurawa claims to focus on government apparatus rather than civilian targets, but their ideology aligns with violent extremism,” he noted during a Channels TV program on November 12, 2024. Bukarti further revealed the group’s advanced weaponry, including drones for surveillance, and their recent deadly clashes with the Nigerian military, resulting in the deaths of multiple soldiers and civilians.
Eroding State Authority
Experts warn that Lakurawa is steadily usurping governmental authority in areas under its control. The group has established parallel governance structures, including Islamic courts, a police force, and a tax system. Bukarti revealed that Lakurawa now mediates local disputes, sidelining traditional rulers and asserting dominance.
Idah expressed concern over their growing territorial control in Sokoto State, where villagers increasingly rely on Lakurawa for adjudication and governance. He warned, “This mirrors Boko Haram’s early days before evolving into a transnational terror group.”
A Troubling History
Lakurawa’s origins trace back to Niger Republic, where it was initially a state-backed vigilante group under former President Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara. After Maïnassara’s assassination, the group fractured, with some factions infiltrated by Al-Qaeda affiliates. A district head in Sokoto reportedly invited Lakurawa into Nigeria in 2016 to combat cattle rustlers, inadvertently laying the groundwork for its establishment as a jihadist group.
Missed Opportunities to Contain the Threat
In 2018, the Sokoto State government attempted negotiations with Lakurawa, resulting in the withdrawal of some members. However, others remained and grew stronger. Idah criticized this approach, stating, “Dialogue has emboldened the group to operate unchecked.”
A Path to Neutralization
Despite the growing threat, experts believe Lakurawa can be defeated. Bukarti emphasized the group’s lack of local acceptance, as they struggle with language barriers and rely on interpreters to communicate with local communities. Idah called for decisive military action, stressing that the window to eliminate Lakurawa remains open.
“If swift action is taken, the Nigerian state can prevent Lakurawa from becoming another transnational menace,” Idah concluded.
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