On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) officially announced that nine individuals are now wanted in connection with acts of terrorism and violent extremism within Nigeria’s North East region. This move marks a significant escalation in the military's efforts to curb terrorism in this volatile part of the country, where multiple groups continue to operate, threatening national security.
The individuals declared wanted by DHQ include Abu Khadijah, Abur Rahman, Dadi Gumba, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Usman Kanin Shehu, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse. These names have been identified by the Nigerian military as key figures within terror networks operating across the region, responsible for numerous acts of violence and destabilization. The Defence Headquarters is now calling on the public to assist in locating these individuals, urging citizens to report any information that could lead to their apprehension.
The announcement was made by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, who addressed the press during a briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. Buba emphasized the importance of public cooperation in this effort and outlined the urgent need to capture these wanted individuals to reduce the threat posed by their continued activities in the North East.
In a related development, the DHQ also confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group known as ‘Lukarawas’, which has begun intensifying insecurity in the northwest region of Nigeria. According to reports, this group represents a growing threat and is suspected of involvement in recent attacks that have destabilized communities across the northwestern states.
During the same military briefing in Abuja, Major General Edward Buba provided updates on the situation, revealing that the ‘Lukarawas’ group has origins in the Republic of Niger and rose to prominence following the recent military coup in Niger. The coup disrupted previously established military cooperation between Niger and Nigeria, allowing groups like ‘Lukarawas’ to exploit the resulting gaps in border security and conduct operations within Nigeria’s borders.
Maj.-Gen. Buba elaborated that the group has been infiltrating northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States, leveraging porous routes from neighboring countries, specifically Niger and Mali. He explained that these infiltration routes have allowed the group to smuggle fighters and weapons into Nigeria, further complicating security efforts in the region.
Buba highlighted that prior to the political crisis in Niger, joint border operations conducted by Nigerian and Nigerien security forces had proven effective in reducing terrorist movements and cross-border attacks. However, since the recent upheaval, these coordinated efforts have been halted, creating opportunities for terrorist groups like ‘Lukarawas’ to strengthen their presence and expand their influence across northern Nigeria.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to tackling this growing threat and called on local communities to support security forces by reporting any suspicious activities. The DHQ also reassured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to restore stability and counter the influence of both local and cross-border terrorist groups in the country.