The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order proscribing the Lakurawa sect and other similar groups operating in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North Central regions.
Justice James Omotosho made the declaration in a ruling on a motion ex parte filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The AGF sought four orders in an application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, moved by Assistant Director David Kaswe on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Justice. In an affidavit supporting the application, litigation officer Michael Akawu argued that the Lakurawa sect met the criteria for proscription under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Akawu stated that the group had engaged in acts of terrorism, including cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, hostage-taking, attacks on government officials and security personnel, and spreading their ideology to local communities. He added, “These acts have caused harm, injuries, and loss of lives and properties to innocent citizens of Nigeria and pose a significant threat to national security, public peace, and order.”
Granting the application, Justice Omotosho declared: “The activities of the Lakurawa sect and similar groups in any part of Nigeria, especially in the North-West and North Central regions, are hereby declared acts of terrorism and illegality.” The court also ordered their proscription and publication of the judgment in the Official Gazette and two national newspapers.
The ruling further prohibited participation in any activities related to the Lakurawa group, emphasizing that the proscription extended to other groups with similar objectives, including banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and violent attacks on communities.
The Lakurawa sect reportedly infiltrated Nigeria from neighboring Niger and Mali. Initially formed as a self-defense militia in Sokoto State around 2016 or 2017, the group evolved into a radical faction imposing strict religious laws and controlling local communities.
Their activities have escalated, spreading into Kebbi State and resulting in violent attacks, including a November 2024 operation in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area, which caused multiple deaths and widespread cattle rustling.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has identified Lakurawa as a terrorist organization with links to extremist elements from Mali and Niger, further exacerbating insecurity in the region.
