The Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Salihu Kalenjeni, has sounded the alarm over a foreign-based armed religious group, known locally as Lakurawa, occupying a forest that stretches across five local government areas in the state. Kalenjeni revealed that the group, which migrated from Libya, Mali, and Niger Republic, has been recruiting youths by offering them N1 million to join.
The group, which has set up camp in Tsauni Forest—an area that spans into Niger Republic—has already been linked to a series of deadly attacks in the region, including a recent assault that left four soldiers dead along Gudu Road.
Speaking to reporters, Kalenjeni highlighted the group’s alarming activities, including forcing villagers to pay Zakkat, imposing strict laws, and committing robberies. “They are forcing people to pay Zakkat and at the same time robbing people of their belongings. Just recently, they robbed a shop owner of N2 million and seized his car, only releasing it after he paid N350,000,” the chairman stated.
The armed group, which claims to be fighting against the Nigerian government, has also carried out robberies in Balle, the headquarters of Gudu LGA, where they seized four motorcycles. Kalenjeni further revealed that the bandits, who have been terrorizing local communities, have formed alliances with Lakurawa. The group reportedly uses drones to monitor security forces, entering villages during the day and retreating to the forest by night.
The Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Engr. Idris Gobir, confirmed the growing threat, stating that an assessment had shown that the group possesses sophisticated weapons. The group’s criminal activities have spread across five local government areas in the state. Gobir emphasized that security agencies are working hard to combat the threat, with the state government collaborating closely with federal security forces.
Gobir also expressed hope that the National Defence College’s study tour, led by Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, would help authorities gain better insights into the criminal activities and find solutions to ensure the security and peaceful coexistence of the state’s residents.