Security experts knock Zamfara CP’s claim linking Lakurawa sect to explosions

Security and counter-insurgency experts have disagreed with the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Dalijan’s claims that the deadly explosion that occurred along the Dansadau-Gusau Road in the Maru Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday where about 12 people were killed was carried out by newly formed Lakurawa terrorist sect.

Dalijan had in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Thursday, attributed the explosion to the Lakurawa sect, stating that members of the insurgent group were seen around the scene of the incident shortly before the explosion.

“This Lakurawa group, when they were dislodged by the Army in Sokoto and Kebbi, the rest of them that survived the military onslaught were trying to find new enclaves,” the CP had explained.

“As they were passing that village to Birnin-Gwari forest, they planted a bomb under a bridge. Then a motorist was passing and step on it. It exploded and killed the driver and three group were seen around the scene of the incident shortly before the explosion.

“They were seen passing through a village and as we were getting reports, trying to get ourselves prepared to pursue them, this explosion happened. So, we are sure that they were the ones that planted the bomb.

“The bandits here in Zamfara don’t use bombs because they don’t know how to make it; they don’t know how to improvise explosive devices. So, we are 100% sure that they (Lakurawa) are the ones because planting bombs in Zamfara State is a new development and bandits don’t have that capacity,” he said, adding that planting of explosive devices was a new development in the state.

However, a security expert familiar with terrorist activities in the region, Zagazola Makama, in a post on his X handle on Friday, said intelligence sources and experts have debunked the CP’s claims on the perpetrators of the attack.

Makama stated that Dalijan’s assertion are unsubstantiated and misleading at best as he could not only rely on hearsay to draw his conclusions.

“Recent explosions in Dansadau district, Maru Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, initially attributed to the Lakurawa terrorist group, have been dismissed as inaccurate by security experts and local sources,” he stated.

“The claims, made by the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, during a press briefing, have been described as unsubstantiated and misleading.

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“Multiple intelligence reports and credible sources confirm that the Lakurawa group, is a criminal organization operating predominantly in Sokoto State and Kebbi state has no presence in Zamfara.

“Several sources assert that the group has concentrated its activities in Tangaza, Gudu, and Silame LGAs of Sokoto, with sporadic operations in Marake and Illela near the Niger Republic border.

“Since intensified military operations in these areas by the troops of Operation Fansan Yanma with its Air Component, Lakurawa members have reportedly fled toward Niger Republic, vacating their traditional strongholds.

“There is no evidence to support Lakurawa’s involvement in the Dansadau explosions. Their activities have been confined to Sokoto State and Kebbi and there has been no report of their movement towards the Dansadau axis. Similarly, there was no reports indicating their use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) since they came to the North West.

“The sources said that for years, local bandit groups have sought Boko Haram’s expertise in crafting and deploying IEDs. However, sources indicate that Boko Haram factions have largely resisted these overtures, with the exception of Dogo Gide, a bandit leader who has incorporated some Boko Haram elements into his ranks.

“The attack on the Dansadau road bears the hallmarks of Boko Haram’s tactics rather than the Lakurawa group. This suggests a possible shift, with Boko Haram now willing to share its explosive expertise with certain bandit groups.

“Analysts also questioned the strategic purpose of the attack, pointing out that the vehicles targeted were not carrying passengers or security forces, a typical hallmark of insurgent tactics. This doesn’t align with Lakurawa’s operational style or any known strategic objectives.

“The Dansadau axis is controlled by bandit groups such as Ada Allero around the Yan Lotton Daji, who are loyal to Alhaji Dogo Gide. These groups frequently conduct attacks in Zamfara and Katsina border areas but have no known affiliates with LAKURAWA.

“The CP’s statement may have been designed to exaggerate the Lakurawa group’s threat, creating unnecessary fear among the populace. There’s no intelligence to support Lakurawa’s involvement in Dansadau.This appears to be an attempt to bolster the group’s reputation, which doesn’t align with ground realities.”

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