New Jihadist Group 'Lakurawa' Uses Social Media, Welfare Packages to Recruit Youth in Northwest Nigeria
The Defence Headquarters has raised concerns over the recruitment activities of a newly emerged jihadist group known as 'Lakurawa,' which reportedly uses social media and welfare packages to attract new members, primarily targeting youth in Northwest Nigeria.
The Lakurawa group has allegedly been imposing taxes and levies on communities across five local government areas in Sokoto State: Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Silame, and Binji. Eons Intelligence had earlier reported that heavily armed Islamic preachers affiliated with Lakurawa have been operating in these areas.
In a statement last Thursday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the emergence of Lakurawa in the region. During a military operations briefing in Abuja, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted the group’s activities.
In a follow-up interview with PUNCH on Tuesday, Buba explained that the military, alongside other security agencies and the Sokoto State government, is actively working to halt the group's recruitment. He noted that Lakurawa is leveraging social media to broadcast sermons and using welfare incentives to lure young recruits.
"The group is employing social media platforms, showcasing sermons, and enticing recruits with welfare packages," Buba said. "Nevertheless, we are aware of these plans and are collaborating with other security forces and the state government to thwart the efforts of the terrorists."
Security agencies continue to monitor the situation as part of broader efforts to prevent the spread of extremism in the region.
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