The Lakurawa group primarily operates in the northwestern states of Kebbi and Sokoto.

A federal court in Nigeria has declared the Lakurawa group a terrorist organization, a move enabling the military to use maximum force against this emerging threat to security in the northwest. Judge James Omotosho issued the order on Thursday, officially proscribing the sect and banning any individual or group from participating in its activities, as announced in a statement by Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi's office on Friday.

Nigeria is already grappling with several armed groups, including Boko Haram, its offshoot known as the Islamic State West Africa Province, and various bandit gangs. The Lakurawa group, which mainly operates in northwestern Kebbi and Sokoto states, has added to the region's insecurity since its emergence. It formed after the July 2023 coup in Niger, originating from herding communities along the Nigeria-Niger border that gradually turned militant.

The group was held responsible for a November attack in Kebbi state, which resulted in the deaths of at least fifteen people, left several others wounded, and involved the theft of livestock.