In a statement on Sunday, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, declared that Nigeria no longer harbors the Lakurawa terror group, asserting that the sect has been expelled from the country.
Matawalle made this declaration during a press briefing at his residence in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara.
He refuted the claims made by the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, who had implicated Lakurawa terrorists in the detonation of explosive devices that resulted in casualties in the state a few weeks back.
Originating around 2016 or 2017 in Sokoto State, the Lakurawa group started as a self-defense militia at the behest of local leaders to combat rising banditry.
Gradually, they transformed into a radical faction, imposing strict religious laws and asserting dominance over local communities.
Their operations extended into Kebbi State, where they carried out violent attacks, including a brutal incident in November 2024 in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area, resulting in multiple casualties and cattle theft.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters identified Lakurawa as a terrorist organization linked to extremist groups from Mali and Niger, heightening insecurity in the northwestern region.
The group has disrupted local governance, assumed the roles of traditional leaders, and enforced their own regulations.
They are also known for recruiting young locals by offering financial incentives, with rewards of up to N1m to attract followers.
However, the defense minister stated on Sunday that there are no Lakurawa members in any part of the country, including Zamfara or Kebbi State.
He clarified that the Lakurawa terrorists were from Mali and were repatriated to their country by the military.
“They were not even present in Kebbi State as previously reported by the media,” he added.
Matawalle emphasized that the military had effectively dealt with the bandits, compelling them to return to Mali. “There are no Lakurawa members in any region of the country,” he reiterated.
The Minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-terrorism efforts and urged all Nigerians to support the government.
He also lauded the President’s initiatives to create a “new Nigeria” through beneficial policies and programs.
“The current projects like the Zaria-Sokoto Road and the Illela-Badagry Road are part of the initiatives under the Tinubu administration,” stated Matawalle. “The lifting of the mining ban is another step by the President to enhance development in the North.”
He criticized the allegations that Tinubu is working against the interests of the North, dismissing them as unfounded propaganda.
“I fail to understand why some individuals are criticizing him and labeling him as anti-North. Disregard the negative narratives of those who do not wish his administration well due to political variances,” he remarked.