The Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Salihu Kalenjeni, has raised concerns over the activities of a foreign-based armed group that has reportedly taken residence in a forest spanning five LGAs in the state.
Known locally as “Lakurawa,” the group is allegedly recruiting local youths with offers of up to N1 million for joining.
Originating from Libya, Mali, and Niger Republic, the Lakurawa group is said to be camped in Tsauni Forest, which borders Niger Republic. Recently, the group launched a deadly attack in the area, resulting in the death of four soldiers on patrol along the Gudu road.
Chairman Kalenjeni reported that the group has been imposing religious laws on surrounding villages, demanding payment of Zakkat while also engaging in robbery.
In one incident, members allegedly robbed a shop owner of N2 million, seized his car, and only returned it after he paid an additional N350,000. In another, the group reportedly stole four motorcycles in Balle, Gudu LGA’s headquarters.
He added that local bandits appear to have joined forces with Lakurawa, allowing them to terrorize communities by day and retreat to the forest by night. The group is said to use drones to monitor security forces’ movements.
Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Engr. Idris Gobir, corroborated these concerns, noting that an assessment revealed the group is armed with sophisticated weapons and is active across multiple LGAs.
Speaking while receiving participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, Gobir acknowledged that the situation complicates the state’s ongoing battle with banditry.
Gobir assured that security forces are collaborating closely with federal agencies to counter the threat, expressing optimism that the study tour by the National Defence College team would yield insights to help address these security challenges.
The team’s leader, Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, confirmed that findings from their visit would be documented in both oral and written reports to inform future security measures.
