The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has announced that Nigeria is now free of the Lakurawa terror group, asserting that the militants have been driven out of the country.
He made the statement on Sunday while addressing journalists at his residence in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
Matawalle refuted claims by Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, who had attributed recent bomb attacks in the state to the Lakurawa group.
He insisted that the group no longer operates in Nigeria, stating, “We have no Lakurawa in any part of the country, not even in Zamfara or Kebbi State.”
The Lakurawa faction emerged around 2016-2017 in Sokoto State as a self-defense militia formed to combat rampant banditry.
Over time, the group transformed into a radical sect, enforcing strict religious laws and disrupting local governance by taking over the roles of traditional rulers.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters later identified the group as terrorists with ties to extremist elements from Mali and Niger.
Their activities extended to Kebbi State, where they were involved in violent attacks, including a deadly raid on Mera village, Augie Local Government Area, in November 2024. The attack resulted in multiple deaths and widespread cattle rustling.
The group was also known for recruiting youths with financial incentives, offering up to ₦1 million to attract followers.
According to Matawalle, the Lakurawa militants have been decisively dealt with by the Nigerian military and forced to retreat to Mali.
“They were not even in Kebbi State as earlier reported by the media. We have chased them out of the country,” he said.
The Minister credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s efforts in combating terrorism and restoring peace in the country.
Matawalle praised Tinubu’s administration for its ongoing projects aimed at developing northern Nigeria, including the construction of the Zaria-Sokoto and Illela-Badagry roads, as well as the lifting of the ban on mining to boost the region’s economy.
He dismissed allegations that Tinubu’s government is anti-North, describing such claims as unfounded political propaganda.
“Forget about the negative propaganda of some people who do not wish this administration well because of political differences,” he urged Nigerians.
The Minister called on all Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that national development requires collective effort.
“The President is building a new Nigeria, and we must all rally behind him to achieve this vision,” Matawalle concluded.
