Lakurawa: The Operations of a New Jihadist Group in Northwest Nigeria

Lakurawa is a new jihadist group in northwest Nigeria, operating primarily in four Sokoto local government areas. They exert control through religious teachings, punishment of local crime, forced marriages, and tax collection. Originating from the Sahel region, Lakurawa presents a new challenge to local governance and community safety, having instilled greater fear among residents than traditional security forces.

Lakurawa is an emerging jihadist group operational in northwest Nigeria, specifically in four local government areas: Binji, Gudu, Tangaza, and Silame, located in Sokoto State. The group has gained notoriety for its robust religious teachings and punitive actions against crime, while imposing taxes and coerced marriages on community members. Inhabitants note the group’s infiltration from the Sahel region, which encompasses Niger and Mali, with claims that they arrived in Sokoto around two years ago but managed to evade significant conflict with Nigerian security forces at that time. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the presence of this terrorist group, with Maj Gen Edward Buba stating that the group began to infiltrate northern Sokoto and Kebbi States following the recent political instability in Niger. The insurgents promote a strict no-contact policy with government or security forces, advocating for rejection of Western education and promoting their own brand of Islamic teachings in multiple languages, including Hausa, Fulfulde, and English. Interestingly, the community’s initial relief when Lakurawa eliminated local bandits has gradually shifted towards apprehension. Residents reported that some local bandits have joined forces with Lakurawa, creating a new form of governance based on intimidation and control. They have imposed a ban on music, instituted severe punishment for smoking or improper hairstyles, and are actively recruiting individuals to enforce their decrees and carry out punitive measures within villages. Lakurawa is also facilitating forced marriages, with families submitting to pressures out of fear for their safety, leading to numerous young girls being wed against their will. Furthermore, the group exerts control over economic resources by collecting Zakah, or tax, effectively altering the local economic landscape. Many residents report that they feel more threatened by Lakurawa than by local security forces, as the group has accrued substantial resources and modern technology, challenging local authority structures.

The rise of the Lakurawa group highlights an alarming trend of increasing jihadist activity in Nigeria, particularly in the northwest, which has been struggling with violent extremism and the proliferation of armed groups. With reported connections to areas facing political upheaval, such as the Sahel region, the group’s emergence signals shifting dynamics in local power structures, community security, and governance. The imposition of their ideologies and practices poses severe threats to societal order and individual freedoms, particularly for women and vulnerable populations.

The emergence of Lakurawa represents a significant challenge to both local communities and Nigerian state authorities. With their operations evolving from eliminating bandits to imposing strict religious and social controls, the group has instilled fear within the populace. Their ability to recruit, collect taxes, and impose social norms without substantial challenge reflects a concerning shift in power dynamics, emphasizing the urgent need for responsive security strategies and community resilience to address such extremist threats effectively.

Original Source: www.bbc.com