15/10/2025
New Boko Haram Splinter Group "Wulowulo" Emerges in Nasarawa, Kogi and Kwara, Expert Warns
A new splinter faction of the Boko Haram terrorist group, known as "Wulowulo," is reportedly gaining a foothold in Nigeria's north-central region, sparking fears of a new wave of insurgency. The alarm was raised by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, with analysis from peace and security journalist Idris Mohammed, who warns that this development signals a dangerous mutation of the country's terror landscape.
During an expanded security meeting in Lafia, Governor Sule revealed that intelligence reports confirmed the presence of the Wulowulo faction in the region. He also disclosed that another network, "Lakurawa," is expanding its operations, establishing a significant presence in Kwara and Kogi States.
According to Idris Mohammed, a journalist who has documented insurgent movements in northern Nigeria for over a decade, this development is "deeply troubling but not surprising." He explained that the movement of terror cells into the north-central zone mirrors the early expansion patterns of Boko Haram before it escalated into a full-blown insurgency.
Mohammed identifies the root causes as fragile governance, economic despair, and a weak state presence in rural areas. "The failure to sustain local security networks, combined with rampant corruption and the absence of justice for victims of violence, has created fertile ground for extremist ideologies to thrive," he stated.
Kogi State, with its central location, vast forests, and proximity to multiple states, is described as a strategic operational hub for these armed groups. Mohammed warns that the growing connections between groups in Kwara, Kogi, and Nasarawa could lead to the formation of a new terror corridor, potentially linking the northwest, north-central, and even the Federal Capital Territory.
The timing of this emergence is critical, coinciding with political instability in the Sahel region, particularly within the AES bloc (Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali). This has weakened regional security, making it easier for militants to cross borders, traffic weapons, and form new alliances.
Mohammed cautioned against relying solely on reactive military operations. He argues that if Nigeria's security strategy fails to address the underlying drivers of extremism—such as poverty, corruption, injustice, and political exclusion—the country risks repeating the cycle that gave rise to Boko Haram over a decade ago.
"The emergence of Wulowulo is not just another headline," Mohammed concluded. "It is a warning. The government must act decisively through long-term intelligence coordination, local engagement, and rebuilding state legitimacy in vulnerable communities. The signs are clear; the danger is near."
