Nigeria’s military is stepping up operations against the Lakurawa, an Islamic State-linked group that has established a stronghold in the country’s northwest near the Niger border. Over the past few years, the group has grown into a potent extremist force, enforcing its own rules and recruiting local youth into its ranks.
Despite sustained military campaigns, the Lakurawa continue to operate across Sokoto and Kebbi states and have even extended their influence into neighbouring Niger and Benin.
Security analyst Chidi Omeje, who accompanied the army during recent operations against the group, said the militants’ resilience underscores the challenge of combating well-entrenched extremist networks.
“The Lakurawa have embedded themselves deeply within local communities,” Omeje explained. “Military action alone is not enough, intelligence, local co-operation, and regional co-ordination are critical to dismantle their networks.”
–ChannelAfrica–
