National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, has assured Nigerians that the recently active Lakurawa terror group, which has been responsible for recent disturbances in Sokoto State and parts of the North West, has a limited membership of under 200 and does not pose a threat warranting widespread panic.
Major General Laka emphasized that the military, working under the direction of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has mobilized a strategic response to eliminate the group soon.
According to him, the military’s leadership, including the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, has held multiple meetings to implement decisive actions against Lakurawa and other extremist threats across Nigeria.
He acknowledged the group’s attempts to destabilize communities through technology and other tactics, Laka expressed confidence in the resilience of a united public,
He added that with President Bola Tinubu’s support, the nation’s security agencies have the resources necessary to eliminate the group and restore peace in affected regions.
He said, “It is true that a new wave of threats by the Lakurawa has emerged, but together, through strategic actions and unwavering public support, we can confront and overcome these threats.
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“Since the emergence of this unwholesome group, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS and other service chiefs have met severally and concrete steps based on informed decisions have been taken to completely wipe members of this group or any other from Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.
“The members of this group are employing new tactics, exploiting technology, and seeking to disrupt our communities and lives.
“They aim to spread fear and division, but I am confident that, with the strength of a united community, we stand resilient and definitely will conquer them in no distant time.”
“The people invited them to come and provide security against bandits.
“Now after providing the security for sometime, they are imposing and collecting taxes from the people which cannot happen and which will not be allowed in a sovereign country.
“The NSA is on top of the situation. President Bola Tinubu is providing everything that is needed for security agencies to root out terrorists and defeat insecurity.
“How many are they? There number is not more than between 150 to 200. It is not as bad as Nigerians are looking at it.
“The major thing the terrorist group is trying to do, is to spread fear and people are helping them, which Nigerians should not fall prey to.”