Introduction
The Lakurawa group has emerged as a notable example of how small violent groups in Nigeria can transform into full-blown terrorist organisations. Originally a bandit group operating in northern Nigeria, the Lakurawa group evolved by capitalising on the instability and fragility of neighbouring states Mali and Niger. The porous borders between these countries, combined with their prolonged political and security crises, have created an environment conducive to the spread of violence and extremism.
On January 24th, 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja officially declared the Lakurawa group a terrorist organisation. This declaration allows the Nigerian military to employ maximum force against the group, which has recently emerged as a significant security threat in the country’s northwest. The group’s transformation was not a sudden occurrence but rather a gradual process shaped by regional dynamics and systemic governance failures. Over the years, the Lakurawa group shifted from petty crimes such as cattle rustling to organised acts of terrorism, drawing on resources, alliances, and ideologies from jihadist networks operating across the Sahel. This article examines the factors that fueled their rise, including the spillover effects of instability in Mali and Niger, socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and the Nigerian government’s challenges in addressing these issues. By understanding the trajectory of the Lakurawa group, we gain valuable insights into the broader security challenges facing West Africa and the strategies required to mitigate them.
Origins of the Lakurawa Group
According to locals in Sokoto’s Tangaza and Gudu areas, the group arrived somewhere in 2018 from Mali, speaking Fulfulde and Arabic and had a history of militant activity.
“Lakurawa’s members arrived as herders but rapidly showed their militant leanings. They initially protected us from banditry but soon introduced strange laws and began demanding funds and cattle for weapons.” (Legit NG, 2024)
Previously, the Lakurawa group engaged in banditry, focusing on crimes such as cattle rustling and kidnapping for ransom in northern Nigeria. Police initially described them as seasonal herders from Niger Republic, not as violent militants. However, as insecurity spread across the Sahel region, the group began adopting tactics and ideologies associated with jihadist organizations. Analysts attribute this transformation to the failure of the Nigerian government to address the root causes of banditry and contain the spillover effects of instability in Mali and Niger (The Conversation, 2024).
The Role of Regional Instability
Mali and Niger have faced persistent security crises over the past decade, with both countries becoming hotbeds for extremist activities. The roots of Mali’s instability can be traced back to the 2012 Tuareg rebellion, during which separatist groups sought to carve out an independent state in northern Mali. This rebellion created a power vacuum that was quickly exploited by jihadist groups, including Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Ansar Dine. The French-led military intervention in 2013, while initially successful in dislodging these groups from key territories, failed to address the underlying issues of governance and marginalization that fueled the conflict. As a result, jihadist activities continued to spread, particularly in Mali’s central regions.
In Niger, instability has largely been driven by its geographic proximity to conflict zones and its struggle to counter the influence of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Niger’s Diffa region, which borders Nigeria, has been a hotspot for cross-border incursions and attacks by these groups. Additionally, Niger has faced challenges from armed groups operating in the tri-border area with Mali and Burkina Faso, an epicentre of jihadist violence in the Sahel.
The spillover effects of these crises have been profound. The instability in Mali and Niger has not only displaced millions of people but also provided fertile ground for the proliferation of arms and extremist ideologies. For the Lakurawa group, this regional instability offered opportunities to access sophisticated weaponry and training, as well as to forge alliances with established jihadist networks. These factors enabled their evolution from a local criminal network to a well-organized terrorist organisation (BBC, 2023).
Porous Borders and Cross-Border Collaboration
The porous borders between Nigeria, Niger, and Mali have been instrumental in the Lakurawa group’s growth. The group exploited these borders to smuggle arms and recruit fighters from neighbouring countries. They also established alliances with jihadist groups operating in the Sahel, such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and ISWAP. These collaborations have allowed the Lakurawa group to expand their operations and adopt more advanced tactics (The Conversation, 2024).
Socioeconomic and Governance Failures
The Lakurawa group’s rise cannot be excluded from the broader governance failures in Nigeria and the region. Northern Nigeria’s rural communities have long suffered from poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to basic services. The Nigerian government’s challenges in addressing these issues created a vacuum that the Lakurawa group exploited, offering disenfranchised youth a sense of purpose and financial incentives. Similar governance issues in Mali and Niger further contributed to the group’s ability to operate and expand.
Lakurawa’s Transformation into a Terrorist Group
Over time, the Lakurawa group adopted extremist ideologies to legitimize their actions and attract funding from international networks. They operate through fear, maintaining control by imposing “Darul Islam” camps and indoctrinating communities with their version of Islamic law. According to reports when they preach or teach, they translate their messages into Hausa, Fulfulde, Abzinanci, English, and other languages. (Legit NG, 2024)
The shift was marked by a transition from petty crimes to large-scale attacks on communities and security forces. Lakurawa’s turn to violence became undeniable in August 2024, when they attacked a military base in Sokoto, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers.
Additionally, the group’s recent attacks on villages in Zamfara State mirror the tactics of established terrorist organizations, including the use of fear and violence to control territories and extract resources (The Conversation, 2024).
Further Implications for Regional Security
The group’s transformation underscores the interconnected nature of insecurity in West Africa. Their rise highlights the risks posed by regional instability, particularly the ability of local criminal groups to evolve into transnational threats. The group’s activities have displaced thousands of people, disrupted economic livelihoods, and further strained northern Nigeria’s already stretched security apparatus. The impacts of their activities are felt across the region as porous borders support illegal migration and combatants.
Addressing the Threat
Tackling the Lakurawa group and similar threats requires a coordinated regional approach. Strengthening border security and enhancing intelligence-sharing among West African countries are critical first steps. Additionally, addressing the root causes of banditry, such as poverty and unemployment, can help reduce the appeal of groups like Lakurawa. International organizations and regional bodies, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), must also play a more active role in providing support and resources to affected countries. In the light of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from Ecowas, it is imperative that there is dialogue to ensure a concerted regional effort that deals with this threat multilaterally.
Conclusion
The Lakurawa group’s transformation from a small violent group to a full-blown terrorist organization illustrates the complex interplay of regional instability, governance failures, and socioeconomic challenges. Their rise serves as a stark reminder of how local issues can quickly escalate into regional crises if left unaddressed. To mitigate the impact of groups like Lakurawa, governments and international bodies must prioritize comprehensive strategies that address both immediate security concerns and underlying socio-economic issues.
Furthermore, the importance of regional cooperation cannot be overstated. Neighbouring countries must work together to secure borders, share intelligence, and dismantle networks that enable groups like Lakurawa to thrive. The story of the Lakurawa group is a cautionary tale for the region. Without sustained efforts to address the root causes of instability and foster development, West Africa risks facing an endless cycle of violence and extremism. However, with the right policies, investments, and collaborations, there is hope for a more stable and secure future.
References
BBC. (2023). Nigeria’s terror group Lakurawa is nothing new. It exists because of government failure
Retrieved on 2/3/2025 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqjvqe4n7gzo
The Conversation. (2024). Nigeria’s terror group Lakurawa is nothing new: It exists because of government’s failure – analysts. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/nigerias-terror-group-lakurawa-is-nothing-new-it-exists-because-of-governments-failure-analysts-243623
Legit.ng. (2025). Lakurawa: Key facts about the deadly group terrorising Nigeria’s northwest. Retrieved from https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1624391-lakurawa-key-facts-deadly-group-terrorising-nigerias-northwest/
