The Defence Headquarters has raised alarm over the recruitment activities of a newly formed jihadist group, ‘Lakurawa,’ which is reportedly using social media platforms and welfare packages to lure young Nigerians into its ranks.
The group, which has been imposing taxes and levies on communities in Sokoto State, is operating in several local government areas in the northwestern part of the country.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the group’s activities last week and disclosed that they were actively recruiting youths through a combination of social media propaganda and material incentives.
The group is said to be active in five local government areas of Sokoto State: Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Silame, and Binji.
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In an interview on Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Buba emphasized that the military, alongside other security agencies and the state government, is working to counter the recruitment efforts.
He explained that the group uses social media platforms to spread radical sermons and offers welfare packages as enticements to potential recruits.
“The group is employing social media platforms, showcasing sermons and enticing recruits with welfare packages,” Buba said. “We are fully aware of these activities and are taking coordinated actions with our partners to disrupt their efforts.”
The rise of the ‘Lakurawa’ group has raised significant concerns over the growing influence of social media in the recruitment of young people into extremist organizations, particularly in vulnerable regions of Nigeria.
