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DHQ Goes After New Terror Group Lukarawas, Blames N’West Residents
‘Lukarawas is affiliated with ISIS in Sahelian region, particularly Mali and Niger Republics. And this is the first time the Sahelian jihadists are making an incursion in our country.
The military yesterday unfolded a new terrorist group with base 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 it 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 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.”
Buba gave assurance that troops had sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to degrade the terrorists.
He added that the terror group had continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals.
According to him, troops are locating them and eliminating the threat.
General Buba said that the new terror group in Sokoto and Kebbi States emerged from the Republic of Niger after the coup that led to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.
In 2009, Nigeria got her first taste of terrorism when the Boko Haram group started its operation in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
The activities of the group gained tempo after its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was killed.
Its members started with the slogan: Education (Boko) is Haram.
They launched an insurrection which spread like a wild fire in the Northeast.
The military is still battling to clear out the terrorist, fifteen years after.
While the military was battling Boko Haram in the Northeast, bandits were the problem in the Northwest until yesterday’s announcement of the Lukarawas terrorist in that geo-political zone.
Nine wanted, 481 killed
Also yesterday, the DHQ said nine terrorist had been declared wanted in the Northeast.
They are: Abu Khadijah, Abur Rahman, Dadi Gumba, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Usman Kanin Shehu, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.
General Buba said the wanted persons hail from the North East region, and have been causing havoc in the area.
He urged the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of the criminals.
General Buba said troops neutralised 481 terrorists, arrested 741 criminals, rescued 492 kidnap victims, recovered 480 weapons and 9,026 ammunition during operations across the country last month.
He said “this another evidence of the sterling performance of the military against terrorist across states in the North since last year.”
Northcentral ‘gang leaders’ begging to surrender
General Buba said the military had opened its surrendering corridors to some Northcentral terror gang leaders who have indicated interest to drop their guns.
He said the terrorists have been under intense superior firefight of the military, losing fighters day-by-day, hence, had no other option that to surrender.
Buba said: “Like I have always said, the terrorists are left with the option of surrendering or killed in the battle field. There is no third option.
“For those that are now willing to surrender, surrendering is part of war. In war, there is a window of surrendering. When an enemy raises his hands up and drops his weapon, it is crime to shoot at him. And we are a professional force. They have indicated they want to surrender, but they are afraid if we will take them out in the process. But we have assured them that we will create a safe corridor for them to surrender and drop their arms, and we will receive them. Afterall, we are receiving surrendered terrorists in the Northest.”
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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