Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged the Federal Government to create a specialized paramilitary outfit to combat the Lakurawa sect, a rising threat in the North.
Speaking on the current affairs program Frontline on Eagle 102.5 FM on Tuesday, November 26, Gumi emphasized the need for a locally adapted response to counter the sect’s growing influence.
The Lakurawa sect, which first emerged in Nigeria’s northwest in 2018, recently expanded operations into Niger and Kaduna states after wreaking havoc in Sokoto and Kebbi.
Gumi highlighted the group’s recent attack on Mera Community in Kebbi State, where 17 lives were lost, as evidence of their escalating violence.
While the ideology of the group remains unclear, Gumi stated: “There are some foreign superpowers in it because Nigeria is filled with many mineral sources in fertile areas. They come and cause mayhem so we can seek their protections afterward.”
Gumi, who serves as the Mufti and Mufassir at Kaduna’s Sultan Bello Central Mosque, criticized the Nigerian military for being ill-suited to tackle insurgencies, describing it as modeled to confront conventional armies rather than unconventional threats.
“Our military is fashioned in the system of the British Army. It is not to fight bandits but to fight another military. If Niger Republic will face Nigeria, we will send our military. Military is a competition of firepower, and we are expecting too much from them if we want them to focus on attacking bandits,” Gumi explained.
The cleric suggested engaging local herdsmen as a combat force, drawing comparisons to the paramilitary wings in Bangladesh that infiltrate terrorist groups.
Lakurawa Recruits Drawn by Economic Hardship and Illiteracy
Addressing the sect’s recruitment strategies, Gumi attributed the willingness of young Nigerians to join Lakurawa to widespread poverty and illiteracy.
He dismissed recent comments by Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, who blamed residents for harboring the sect, insisting the issue stems from desperation and neglect.
Gumi explained: “The younger recruits are lured with money, food, and sometimes cattle. They have international backings, owing to the large amounts given to recruits.”
The Lakurawa sect initially gained support by helping locals fight armed bandits but later alienated communities by stealing cattle and enforcing strict Islamic laws. This forced the group to retreat to border areas near Niger and Mali, although they continue incursions into Nigerian territory.
Gumi Calls for Education and Border Security
Sheikh Gumi also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency. He advocated for reopening Almajiri schools, initially established under former President Goodluck Jonathan, and increasing efforts to reduce poverty and secure Nigeria’s porous borders.
He warned that the rise of Lakurawa, alongside ongoing battles with Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various bandit groups, risks overextending the Nigerian military. “Another insurgency could destabilize the region further and draw the military into a long-drawn fight,” he cautioned.
