Africa
Kebbi: Lakurawa terrorists kill 2 immigration officers, others

A devastating attack by the newly formed terrorist group, Lakurawa, has left two Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officers and one civilian dead in Kebbi State, Northern Nigeria.
Diaspora Digital Media understands that the incident occurred on Saturday evening at the Kangiwa border in the Kangiwa local government area.
According to community sources and security operatives, the immigration officers were near a site where a transmitting mast was being installed when the armed group struck.
The mast, designed to detect border movements and send information to the NIS database, was likely the target of the attack.
This incident is not the first time Lakurawa has made headlines.
In December, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the group was responsible for explosions in two villages in Zamfara State, resulting in one death and three injuries.
The Kebbi police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar, and his immigration counterpart have yet to respond to requests for comment.
What is Lakuwara?
The emergence of Lakurawa has sparked fears that the group may become as deadly as Boko Haram, which has wreaked havoc in Nigeria’s northern regions.
It is a militant group operating in the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Northern Nigeria.
The group’s origins and motivations are complex, but here is a more detailed overview:
Origins
Lakurawa initially emerged as a self-defense group in 2016 or 2017, with the primary goal of protecting local communities from bandits and other criminal elements in the region.
However, over time, the group became increasingly radicalized and began to adopt extremist ideologies.
Ideology
Lakurawa’s ideology is rooted in Islamic extremism, and the group has reportedly established links with other terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State.
The group’s leaders have been known to promote a strict interpretation of Islamic law and have called for the establishment of an Islamic state in the region.
Operations
Lakurawa’s operational focus is primarily in the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Northern Nigeria.
The group has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians, security forces, and infrastructure in the region.
Structure
Lakurawa’s organizational structure is not well-defined, but it is believed to be led by a council of leaders who make decisions on the group’s operations and strategy.
The group is also thought to have a network of cells and operatives in different parts of the region.
Funding
Lakurawa’s funding sources are not clear, but it is believed that the group generates revenue through a variety of means, including extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and smuggling.
Impact
Lakurawa’s activities have had a significant impact on the region, contributing to instability, displacement, and human suffering.
The group’s attacks on civilians and security forces have also undermined trust in the government and its ability to provide security.
Response
The Nigerian government has responded to Lakurawa’s activities with a mix of military operations and dialogue.
However, the group’s continued presence and activities in the region suggest that more needs to be done to address the root causes of extremism and to provide sustainable solutions to the region’s security challenges.
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