A federal court in Nigeria has officially designated the Lakurawa group as a terrorist organization, granting the military authority to take decisive action against the group, which has become an increasing threat to security in the country’s northwest.
The ruling, issued on Thursday by Judge James Omotosho, prohibits any involvement with the group. Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi confirmed the decision in a statement released Friday.
The Lakurawa group, primarily active in Kebbi and Sokoto states, emerged from herding communities near the Nigeria-Niger border following Niger’s July 2023 coup. Members of the group have since turned to militancy, further destabilizing the region.
Authorities attribute the group to a deadly November attack in Kebbi state that left at least 15 people dead, several injured, and significant livestock stolen. This development adds to Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against armed groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and various criminal gangs.
The government hopes the court’s decision will bolster efforts to combat insecurity in the affected areas.