Lakurawa armed group storms Niger community, preaches ideology in mosques

Residents of Soba town in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State have raised fresh concerns after suspected members of an armed group reportedly entered the community and openly preached in mosques.
The incident was contained in a post shared on X on Saturday by security analyst Bakatsine.

According to the post, the group arrived in the community shortly after Maghrib prayers and moved from one mosque to another, gathering worshippers to share their ideology and explain their mission.

“Yesterday evening, residents of Soba town in Mashegu LGA of Niger State said Lakurawa members entered the community after Maghrib prayers and moved between local mosques, gathering worshippers to preach their ideology and explain their mission,” Bakatsine wrote.

According to Bakatsine, the development has raised fresh concerns about the group’s growing influence and freedom of movement in parts of the region.

“If armed groups can openly hold outreach sessions in communities, what does that say about the effectiveness of security efforts and state presence in these areas?,” Bakatsine asked .

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies on the development.