The Sokoto police command says an armed group identified as ‘Lakurawas’ is operating in five LGAs of the state.

Ahmed Rufai, police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the development to Punch.

Rufai said members of the group wield sophisticated weapons and operate in Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illeila, and one other LGA.

“They have been in those areas for some years now. They are armed with weapons and part of their agenda is to impose their own kind of religious practice on the people,” he said.

“They even attack suspected bandits in the areas, according to information available to us. They claim to be working against illegalities.”

On November 5, Idris Gobir, the deputy governor of the state, raised concerns over the emergence of a criminal group in the state.

Gobir said the group is a faith-based one, adding that security agencies were working to address the threats.

“An assessment carried out indicated that the group possessed sophisticated weapons and their criminal activities were observed in about five local government areas in the state,” Gobir said.

“The sad development is happening at a time the state is grappling with banditry.

“The state government has been working closely with federal security agencies to address numerous security threats to lives and properties of the people of the state.”