The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine individuals linked to the Lakurawas terrorist group wanted.
The suspects, identified as Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba (also known as Abu Muhammed), Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse, are believed to have infiltrated parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states.
This development follows the recent coup in Niger Republic, which disrupted joint military operations between Nigeria and its northern neighbour.
Before the coup, coordinated border security efforts had been effective in keeping such threats at bay.
The Lakurawas group reportedly exploited the challenging terrain and the absence of cross-border cooperation to establish a foothold in under-governed areas.
Initially, residents in affected communities welcomed the group, unaware of its true motives, and failed to alert security forces.
Despite these challenges, Nigerian troops are intensifying their operations, using intelligence and surveillance to track down and neutralize the terrorists.
The DHQ said it remains committed to restoring security in the region.
“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited the difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said on Thursday.
