The Defence Headquarters in Abuja has raised an alert over the recruitment tactics of a newly emerged Jihadist group called ‘Lakurawa’ that is using social media and welfare incentives to draw in new fighters in Sokoto State.
According to military sources, the group has started operating in multiple local government areas, including Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Silame, and Binji, where it reportedly imposes taxes and levies on local communities.
In a briefing on recent military operations, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, confirmed the group’s presence and disclosed that it had taken advantage of social media to promote recruitment and influence youth in the region. He stated that the military is aware of these recruitment strategies, including the use of sermons to appeal ideologically to potential recruits and welfare packages as incentives.
“The group is employing social media platforms, showcasing sermons and enticing recruits with welfare packages,” Buba explained, emphasizing that Lakurawa’s online outreach is a significant factor in its recruitment success. Through a coordinated approach involving local government authorities and other security agencies, Buba affirmed that efforts are underway to counter these tactics.
The group’s activities have drawn increasing concern from the Defence Headquarters, particularly given its imposition of taxes on residents in affected areas. Security officials note that Lakurawa’s recruitment methods, which extend beyond traditional channels to include digital propaganda and incentives, are part of a calculated effort to establish influence and control over communities in Sokoto State.
In response, the military and other security forces are intensifying counter-terrorism measures to disrupt these recruitment campaigns. However, experts warn that addressing such tactics will require more than just military intervention, pointing to the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses social media manipulation, youth vulnerability, and the economic conditions that make such offers appealing.
As the Defence Headquarters and regional authorities work to contain this new threat, Maj. Gen. Buba reassured the public of ongoing efforts to neutralize the group’s activities and prevent the spread of extremism in the region.
