Security experts and local sources have dismissed as inaccurate the claims made by police that the Lakurawa terrorist group are responsible for the recent explosions in Dansadau district, Maru Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
Security analyst and counter insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on Thursday, via his X handle, highlighted views and reports from security experts regarding the recent incident.
Recall that on Wednesday, 4th December, six travellers were reportedly killed and eight others injured after a vehicle conveying them ran on explosives planted along the Dansadau-Gusau Road in the Maru Local Government Area of the state.
Following the tragic occurrence, the Commissioner of Police, in the state, Muhammed Dalijan, revealed that some members of the dreaded Lakurawa terror group who survived a military onslaught were behind the explosion.
In an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, Dalijan said, “they (Lakurawa terrorists) 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 who planted the bomb”.
According to Makama, however, multiple intelligence reports and credible sources confirm that the Lakurawa group, a criminal organization operating predominantly in Sokoto and Kebbi states 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”, he said adding that intensified military operations in these areas by the troops of Operation Fansan Yanma, along with its Air Component, have resulted in Lakurawa members fleeing toward Niger Republic, vacating their traditional strongholds.
Makama furthers stated that, according to sources familiar with operations in the Northwest, “there is no evidence to support Lakurawa’s involvement in the Dansadau explosions. Their activities have been confined to Sokoto and Kebbi states and there has been report of their movement towards the Dansadau axis.
Similarly, there were no reports indicating their use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) since they came to the north-west.
The sources also affirm 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, which 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,” noted another expert.
“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.
Critics argue that 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”, Makama stated.
