A federal court in Nigeria has officially designated the Islamist Lakurawa group as a terrorist organization, granting the military authority to deploy maximum force against the emerging threat in the northwest.
Lakurawa is a new militant group which carries out attacks, targeting local communities in north-western Nigeria and across the border with Niger.
On Thursday, Judge James Omotosho issued an order proscribing the group and prohibiting any individual or entity from participating in its activities.
“It is hereby ordered as follows: That an order is hereby made declaring the activities of the Lakurawa Sect and other similar groups In any part of Nigeria, especially in the North West and North Central Regions of Nigeria as acts of terrorism and illegality,” he stated.
The prescription order followed an ex-parte application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Nigeria is already battling several armed groups, including Boko Haram, its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province, and various bandit gangs.
The rise of the Lakurawa group has further worsened insecurity in the country’s predominantly Muslim northern region.
Lakurawa had been involved in acts of terrorism, including cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, hostage-taking and attacks on top government officials.
The Nigerien government has accused Nigeria of serving as a base for destabilizing activities, allegedly in collaboration with former Nigerien officials and external forces, including the Lakurawa terrorist organization.
Niger also claimed Nigeria was involved in the recent vandalism of the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region, on December 13. However, Nigeria has denied these allegations, stating it had no involvement in the pipeline attack and refuting any links to the Lakurawa terrorist organization.
