Yesterday, the military deployed a new terrorist group with bases in Sokoto and Kebbi states in the Northwest where they are already causing havoc.
It announced the bid to take out the terrorists and obliterate them from Nigeria’s territory.
“Now that we know where they are, we are already going after them, and we will take them out,” Defence Headquarters spokesman Maj-Gen Edward Buba said yesterday.
According to him, the group Lukarawas, is linked to Islamic State (ISISI) and its members crossed into Nigeria from Niger Republic.
He added that when they settled in areas between Sokoto and Kebbi, the people did not raise the alarm or reported to security operatives or the military until they started their nefarious activities.
Gen. Buba said: “‘Lukarawas is affiliated with ISIS in the Sahelian region, particularly Mali and Niger Republics. And this is the first time the Sahelian jihadists are making an incursion in our country.
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology.”
The defence spokesman said the group was accommodated by the locals who initially thought that the group meant well for them, adding that they failed to report the movement to the military and security agencies.
General Buba added: “The people did not report on time until they started causing havoc and placing levies on them.
“Now that we know where they are, we are already going after them, and we will take them out.”