Security expert and counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama and other credible sources have refuted claims that the Lakurawa terrorist group was behind recent explosions in Dansadau district, Maru Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
The assertions, made by Commissioner of Police Muhammad Shehu Dalijan during a press briefing, were described as misleading and unsupported by evidence.
According to intelligence reports, the Lakurawa group operates predominantly in Sokoto and Kebbi states, with a focus on Tangaza, Gudu, and Silame LGAs in Sokoto and occasional activities near the Niger Republic border.
Following intensified military action under Operation Fansan Yanma, many Lakurawa fighters reportedly fled toward Niger Republic, leaving no trace of operations in Zamfara.
“There is no evidence linking the Lakurawa group to the Dansadau explosions,” stated sources familiar with security operations in the Northwest.
They noted that Lakurawa’s activities have remained confined to Sokoto and Kebbi states and that there are no indications of their use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the region.
Makama and other analysts highlighted that local bandit groups in Zamfara have long sought expertise in IED construction from Boko Haram, though the latter has largely declined these requests.
An exception is Dogo Gide, a prominent bandit leader known for incorporating Boko Haram elements into his ranks.
Experts believe the tactics used in the Dansadau attack are more characteristic of Boko Haram’s methods, suggesting a shift where the group may now be sharing its expertise with select bandit factions.
Additionally, analysts questioned the attack’s objectives, pointing out that the targeted vehicles were not transporting passengers or security personnel, which is typical for insurgent operations.
“This doesn’t match Lakurawa’s known operational patterns or goals,” another expert observed.
Local sources indicated that the Dansadau axis is primarily controlled by bandit groups loyal to Dogo Gide, such as those under Ada Allero in the Yan Lotton Daji area.
These groups regularly launch attacks across Zamfara and Katsina border areas but have no affiliations with Lakurawa.
Critics have suggested that the police commissioner’s statements were exaggerated to inflate Lakurawa’s perceived threat, potentially causing unnecessary alarm among residents.
“There’s no credible intelligence to support Lakurawa’s involvement in Dansadau,” Makama concluded.