By Prosper Olayiwola
The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has raised the alarm over the emergence of a new Boko Haram splinter faction known as “Wulowulo”, which he said has begun infiltrating parts of the North-Central region.
Governor Sule issued the warning on Monday during a security stakeholders’ meeting held in Lafia, the state capital. The meeting brought together top officials of security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to deliberate on the growing threats of terrorism and banditry in the region. 
According to the governor, intelligence reports indicate that the Wulowulo group has started operating in some North-Central states, raising fears of renewed extremist activities in an area already battling with kidnappings and communal conflicts.
The governor also revealed that another terrorist group, identified as the Lakurawa faction, has expanded its footprint into Kwara State after previously operating around Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Governor Sule noted that the meeting was convened to develop proactive strategies aimed at preventing both groups from gaining a foothold in Nasarawa State.
He also expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping in parts of Lafia and Karu Local Government Areas, urging security agencies to adopt new and coordinated approaches to tackle the menace before it escalates further.
Security analysts say the development underscores the growing complexity of Nigeria’s insurgency landscape, as splinter cells and new extremist groups continue to emerge and spread across different regions.
Late last year, intelligence reports confirmed that the Lakurawa faction had infiltrated parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States from Niger Republic and Mali, heightening fears of a transnational terrorist network operating along Nigeria’s porous borders.
The Nasarawa governor’s latest warning adds to growing concerns among security experts that the North-Central could become the next hotspot for extremist violence if urgent counterterrorism measures are not intensified.
