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Nine things about new sect operating in northern Nigeria, more deadly than Boko Haram

Nine things about new sect operating in northern Nigeria, more deadly than Boko Haram
Counter-insurgency and security expert, Zagazola Makama, has taken time to break down the make up of the new Islamic jihadist terror group that has infiltrated five local government areas in Sokoto State and parts of Kebbi State.
Makama who is an expert when it comes to insurgency in northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, in a post on X on Thursday, said the new group known as ‘Lakurawas’ which means ‘recruits’, are affiliated to the Islamic State (IS) and are deadlier than the Boko Haram sect.
According to the security expert, the emergence of the sect underscores an alarming “expansion of extremist control, previously seen with Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) in the region, and further indicates the spread of ISIS and Al-Qaeda-linked factions from the broader Sahel area into Nigeria.”
“The IS Sahel operates a significant smuggling network from Kebbi State’s Dole-Kaina, a border town connecting Nigeria and Niger and they are more dangerous than Boko Haram,” he stated.
He also said the group have been engaging in smuggling of fuel, ammunition and other supplies across Nigeria’s borders to terror groups across the Sahel and West African regions.
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These are nine things to know about the new Lakurawa jihadist sect as broken down by Makama:
1. The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), also known as IS Sahel, has established its presence and influence across five local government areas in Sokoto State, with its influence expanding into neighboring Kebbi State as well.
2. The Lakurawa sect is also known as the ‘recruits’ who began their infiltration as a strictly religious group who were on a mission to recruit and convert people.
3. The group has already begun enforcing strict mandates on residents, while on the other hand, have been smuggling essential supplies to terrorist networks throughout the Sahel region.
4. In Sokoto State, the IS Sahel, through the Lakurawas, has entrenched itself in the Gudu, Tangaza, Silame, Binji, and Illela LGAs.
5. The group is more deadly than the Boko Haram and ISWAP sects and kill at the slightest provocation.
6. The terrorists have banned vigilante activities within the communities they have taken over and have effectively disabled local security responses and have instituted Sharia-based mandates.
7. The Lakurawas have instituted a strict Islamic law and demand ‘zakkat’ or levies on livestock, requiring residents to give up one cow for every thirty they own, collected directly by group members.
8. They have also imposed a strict dress code with women instructed to wear hijabs at all times while men are required to maintain long beards and wear shortened trousers.
9. The sect members are mostly renegades from Mali, Niger Republic, Sudan, Libya, and other countries in the Sahel region who are ferried into the country with the help of their Nigerian extremists.
Nine things about new sect operating in northern Nigeria, more deadly than Boko Haram
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‘We’re not hiring,’ NNPC denies viral recruitment adverts

‘We’re not hiring,’ NNPC denies viral recruitment adverts
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company, (NNPC) Limited has warned the public to beware of fraudulent recruitment advertisements circulating online, stating that it is not conducting any hiring process at the moment.
In a statement issued on its official X handle on Friday, the state-owned oil company cautioned job seekers against falling victim to fake recruitment schemes, emphasizing that all legitimate job openings would only be announced through its official channels.
“The general public is hereby informed that NNPC Limited is not recruiting.
“Official recruitment announcements will only be made through our website and verified social media platforms,” the statement read.
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The company reiterated that its recruitment process is “transparent, merit-based, and requires no external assistance.”
The company urged Nigerians to disregard any unofficial job advertisements that claim to be from NNPC Ltd., as they could be attempts to defraud unsuspecting applicants.
The management further assured the public that it remains committed to upholding the integrity of its hiring process and would notify Nigerians whenever recruitment officially commences.
“We advise the public to always verify information directly from our official platforms to avoid being misled by scammers,” the company stated.
The company urged individuals to report any suspicious recruitment advertisements falsely linked to NNPC Ltd. to the appropriate authorities.
‘We’re not hiring,’ NNPC denies viral recruitment adverts
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Communal Clash: Gov Adeleke imposes new curfew on Ifon, Ilobu communities

Communal Clash: Gov Adeleke imposes new curfew on Ifon, Ilobu communities
In response to the resurgence of hostilities between Ifon and Ilobu communities, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed curfew on Ifon and Ilobu communities in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas, respectively.
Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, announced the new directive in a statement issued in Osogbo on Friday, emphasizing the government’s determination to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
“Following a resurgence of the crisis between Ifon and Ilobu communities, Gov. Ademola Adeleke, in a move to curb its further spread, has announced a new curfew time frame from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, until lasting peace is restored,” he said.
Expressing deep concern over the renewed violence, the governor condemned the fresh outbreak of communal clashes.
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“Gov. Ademola expressed unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the breakout of fresh communal crises in Ilobu and Ifon.
“To this end, the governor has directed that the initial 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew on the communities now be extended to 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., effective today, Friday, March 21, until further notice,” Alimi stated.
The commissioner further revealed that a joint security team, comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence, had been instructed to sustain 24-hour surveillance in the affected areas to uphold law and order.
“In addition, the governor directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict,” he added.
Governor Adeleke called on residents, traditional rulers, and all stakeholders to embrace peace.
Communal Clash: Gov Adeleke imposes new curfew on Ifon, Ilobu communities
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BREAKING: IGP redeploys 38 police commissioners

BREAKING: IGP redeploys 38 police commissioners
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting of 38 Commissioners of Police to various State Commands and Police Formations.
The deployment comprises 9 commissioners of police to key state commands and an additional 29 CPs to various police formations across the country.
A statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, said the commissioners of Police deployed to state commands include CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba to Zamfara State, CP Bretet Emmanuel Simon to Taraba State, CP Christopher Ado Emmanuel to Yobe State, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin to Cross-River State, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman to Niger State, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu to Bauchi State, CP Bello Shehu to Katsina State, CP Saka Adewale Ajao as Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and CP Ojo Adekimi to Kwara State.
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“In addition to these State Command appointments, the deployment also includes the posting of 29 CPs to various police formations as part of a broader effort to address rising security challenges and ensure effective policing that is responsive to community needs. Each CP will be tasked with implementing tailored strategies that reflect the unique requirements of their respective formations, ensuring that policing is both proactive and effective.
“The IGP charges the newly deployed CPs to prioritize their responsibilities in curbing insecurity and misconduct, reinforcing the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold law and order through robust intelligence-led policing. This deployment reflects the dedication of the new Police leadership to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force is well-equipped to address the challenges of maintaining peace and security in the country,” the statement said.
BREAKING: IGP redeploys 38 police commissioners
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