Terror In Sokoto: Armed Group ‘Lakurawas’ Enforces Zakat In Five Local Government Areas

Terror In Sokoto: Armed Group ‘Lakurawas’ Enforces Zakat In Five Local Government Areas

A new terrorist group, known as “Lakurawas” or “Mujahidin,” has gained significant influence across five local government areas in Sokoto State, Nigeria. This group has reportedly begun imposing zakat and other levies on local communities.…….CONTINUE READING 

Operating in the Tangaza, Gada, Illela, Silame, and Binji LGAs, Lakurawas members travel in groups of 10 to 15 motorcycles, armed and imposing mandatory levies. They communicate in a variety of languages, including Hausa, Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri, Tuba, and English.

Local reports describe that Lakurawas operatives often arrive in large numbers, assess each community, and leave members behind to collect taxes. The group reportedly compels residents to harvest crops and provide food supplies, confiscating livestock from those who refuse to comply.

Alhaji Isa Salihu Kalenjeni, Chairman of Tangaza LGA, confirmed these actions, stating, “They are not only collecting zakat but are also robbing residents. Recently, they seized a shop owner’s car, releasing it only after he paid a sum of N350,000.”

Major Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, warned that Lakurawas has ties to ISIS in the Sahel region, exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders with Niger and Mali. He emphasized that the military is actively tracking and neutralizing the group, urging citizens to report any suspicious activity immediately.