The Arewa Consultative Forum has urged the Nigerian military to act quickly to dismantle the Lakurawa terror group that has been terrorizing residents of Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The forum described the group’s presence as “very dangerous and alarming” and warned that this new development shows a worsening security situation in the North-West, now considered Nigeria’s terrorism center.
ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent Lakurawa from gaining a foothold. He cautioned against underestimating the threat, saying, “This group should not be handled with kid gloves, as we saw with previous crises like Boko Haram and banditry.”
ACF also highlighted the importance of reviewing security strategies to send a clear message of national determination to protect peace and stability.
The group stressed the need for stronger cross-border collaboration, especially with Niger, suggesting that recent talks between Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Nigerien officials be used to strengthen international efforts against terrorism. “The visit to Niger should be a stepping stone for renewed international cooperation to combat these terror threats,” the statement read.
Additionally, ACF called for improved intelligence gathering, urging security forces to address possible local informant involvement. “Security agencies must pay attention to local informants within communities and ensure they are identified and prosecuted,” the group added.
ACF called for more coordinated efforts among Nigeria’s security agencies to tackle the escalating threats in the North-West.
