The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the Lakurawa sect and similar groups as terrorist organizations, banning their activities across the country, particularly in the North-West and North Central regions.
Justice James Omotosho issued the ruling following an ex parte motion filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, was presented by David Kaswe, an Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice.
In an affidavit, Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the Department of Public Prosecutions, accused the Lakurawa sect of terrorism, including cattle rustling, kidnapping, attacks on security personnel, and promoting extremist ideologies.
Akawu stressed that their actions posed a significant threat to national security.
The court granted all the requested orders, including:
Declaring the activities of the Lakurawa sect as acts of terrorism.
Banning the group and other similar entities nationwide.
Prohibiting any participation in activities associated with the sect.
Mandating the publication of the court’s order in the Official Gazette and two national newspapers.
The Lakurawa sect, reportedly linked to extremist elements from Niger and Mali, has been blamed for violent attacks in Nigeria, including a deadly incident in Mera village, Kebbi State, in November 2024.
Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged the military to tackle criminal elements in Nigeria’s forests. Speaking during a visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, Ganduje highlighted the need for proactive measures, referencing his success in transforming Kano’s Falgore Forest into a military training ground.
He said, “The solution to this menace is to conquer the forests. Bandits operate from these areas, and we need to take the offensive.”
Ganduje also expressed condolences over a petrol tanker explosion in Niger State that killed over 80 people and called on the Federal Government to improve infrastructure like the Suleja-Minna road to prevent such tragedies.
Governor Bago appreciated the APC leadership’s support and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace in the state.
