A federal court in Nigeria has declared the Islamist group Lakurawa a terrorist organisation, granting security forces greater authority to combat the emerging threat in the northwest.
The ruling, issued by Judge James Omotosho on Thursday, prohibits the group’s activities and criminalises participation in them. The Justice Ministry, through Minister Lateef Fagbemi’s office, announced the decision on Friday.
The Lakurawa sect has primarily been active in Kebbi and Sokoto states, further destabilising Nigeria’s northwest, a region already plagued by violence from armed groups. The rise of the group adds to ongoing security challenges, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province, and criminal gangs operating across the northern states.
