ACF urges action against Lakurawa terror group in Northwest

The Arewa Consultative Forum has raised an alarm over the emergence of a new armed terrorist group, Lakurawa, in the northwest states of Kebbi and Sokoto.

While expressing concern over the emergence of this terror group, the Northern group urged the government to take immediate and decisive action against “Lakurawa” before it escalates.

The Punch reports that the Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group, known as ‘Lakurawa’, in the northwestern part of the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba disclosed this while briefing newsmen on military operations on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba stated that the new terror group originated in the Republic of Niger after the recent coup, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.

However, within 48 hours of the confirmation, the new terror group attacked Mera town in Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Friday, killing at least 15 people.

A community stakeholder, Bashir Mera, who confirmed the attack, said the group struck when people were preparing for Jumaat prayers. He added that they also stole no fewer than 100 cattle.

The incident has sparked concerns about the escalating insecurity in the northwest, now considered Nigeria’s epicenter of terrorism.
In reaction, a statement by the Publicity Secretary of ACF, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, on Sunday, noted that the emergence of Lakurawa was both dangerous and alarming.

According to the Forum, this development highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive reappraisal of Nigeria’s national security strategies and tactics.

“Lakurawa, at this early stage of its emergence, must not be tolerated or allowed to entrench itself in our communities through benign neglect or kid-glove treatment, as was the case with Boko Haram insurgency, farmer-herder clashes, and banditry in the northeast, north-central, and northwest regions, respectively.

“This is the moment for our security agencies to act swiftly and decisively, using all available human and material resources, without hesitation.
“We must leave no one in doubt about the national resolve to deal decisively with any threat to Nigeria’s peace and stability,” Muhammad-Baba added.

The Northern body also called on the authorities to “enhance intelligence gathering, processing, and utilisation to track and disrupt Lakurawa’s activities, engage local traditional and religious leaders, hunters, vigilante outfits, and community influentials in security operations.”

It further called for the revitalisation and reinforcement of the Multi-National Joint Task Force arrangement with neighbouring countries, particularly Niger Republic, and the training of citizens in early warning and response strategies, mobilising communities to support national security agencies.