State officials reported an increase in activity from a newly formed group named
“Lakurawas”. While little is currently known about the group’s activity beyond possible attempts at
creating alternative administrative structures in Sokoto, their apparent use of “Arewa” as a term
designating their area of operations likely highlights some possible strategic objectives. Arewa is
sometimes used to refer to the part of northern Nigeria under the control of the 19th century Sokoto
Caliphate. Its use by the group therefore likely indicates an intention to create a politico-religious
entity in the north of Nigeria.