How IS Sahel terrorists expand presence in Sokoto, Kebbi

The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), also known as IS-Sahel, has reportedly intensified its influence across several local government areas in Sokoto State, Nigeria, with growing evidence of its expanding operations in neighbouring Kebbi State as well.

Known locally as ‘Lakurawa’, or “recruits” in Hausa, this group has begun enforcing strict mandates on residents while reportedly smuggling essential supplies to terrorist networks throughout the Sahel region, security expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, has revealed.

According to him, in Sokoto State, IS Sahel has entrenched itself in the Gudu, Tangaza, Silame, Binji, and Illela LGAs.

He hinted that the terrorists have banned vigilante activities within these communities, effectively disabling local security responses, and instituted Sharia-based mandates.

The group demands ‘zakkat’ on livestock, requiring residents to give up one cow for every thirty they own, which is collected directly by group members.

“Additionally, strict dress codes have been imposed, with women instructed to wear hijabs and men required to maintain long beards and shortened trousers.

“These developments underscore an alarming expansion of extremist control, previously seen with Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) in the region, and further indicate the spread of ISIS and Al-Qaeda-linked factions from the broader Sahel area into Nigeria,” he said.

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Zagazola Makama had previously hinted that the IS Sahel operates a significant smuggling network from Kebbi State’s Dole-Kaina, a border town connecting Nigeria and Niger.

He said large quantities of fuel, ammunition, and other supplies are reportedly transported across Nigeria’s borders, with items reaching terror groups across the Sahel and West African regions.

He said,”These supplies pass through Niger and, in some instances, Benin Republic to reach Kompienga, a province in eastern Burkina Faso, which is a known hotbed for terrorist activity.

“Nigeria is increasingly challenged by the routes used for arms trafficking in the North West, which allow bandits and terror groups to sustain their operations.”