What is the origin of kanuri?

The Kanuri people are primarily found in northeastern Nigeria, as well as parts of Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Their origins can be traced back to the Lake Chad region, where they established the Kanem Empire in the 9th century, a significant political and cultural entity in West Africa. The Kanuri language is part of the Nilo-Saharan language family, and the Kanuri have historically been influenced by various cultures, including Arab and Berber traders, due to their location along trans-Saharan trade routes.