SaharaReporters learnt that heavily armed Lakurawa Islamic preachers are operating in five local government areas of the state namely Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Silame and Binji.
A newly formed Jihadist group known as 'Lakurawa' has emerged, imposing taxes and levies on communities in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.
SaharaReporters learnt that heavily armed Lakurawa Islamic preachers are operating in five local government areas of the state namely Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Silame and Binji.
Authorities and residents of the affected areas have expressed deep concerns over the presence of the heavily armed Islamic preachers, many of whom are believed to be foreigners.
They were reported to have set up bases in the affected local government areas, moving from community to community and preaching against western civilization and democratic system of government, similar to the ideology of Boko Haram terrorists.
Sokoto State deputy governor, Idris Muhammad Gobir, disclosed this to students of Nigeria Defence College on Friday in the state.
Gobir noted that the "majority of the members of the new Islamic sect are from the Sahel countries of Mali and Niger Republic".
"They imposed strict Islamic laws, luring young people into the fold with business capital. They also collect taxes and levies.
"During sermons, they'll tell us they don't recognize the Nigerian government and its security forces," a resident of the area said.