The federal government has pledged to eliminate the Lakurawa terror group, responsible for recent attacks and killings in Sokoto and Kebbi, respectively.
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar confirmed that the government is taking measures to address the security challenge posed by the group.
“The (acting) Chief of Army Staff has visited the areas and he has discussed with other service chiefs on how to crush these people. They have rolled out strategies on how to end the new terror group, God willing, including provision of additional equipment and troops that will be deployed to the affected areas in order to bring an end to it.
“Christopher Musa, (the Chief of Defence Staff), the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff have met and have mapped out strategies, and I am convinced on how they are going to handle the issue. With your prayers, we are going to decimate and end this security challenge, God willing.
“If you look at it, we have recorded successes in the last one year. But as you know, while you are strategising, they are also coming up with different tactics, but by and large, anyone who is aware of the happenings will tell you that we have recorded successes in this fight, and we pray this will continue until this security challenge is completely addressed.
“The service chiefs are working on implementing measures that would stem the tide of this threat and ensure that it does not escalate to other states or towns,” he told BBC Hausa.
Lakurawa’s violent activities have resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
In one incident, four military personnel were killed in an ambush by the group in Bachaka Kurya Forest, Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto.
The group also killed 15 people and rustled over 100 cows in Mera, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi.
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attacks, describing them as “desperate acts of terror” and vowed to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The government has also reassured citizens of its commitment to securing the country and defeating terrorism.
The United States and the United Nations have also condemned the attacks, with the US Mission in Nigeria stating that it will work with Nigeria to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The international community has expressed solidarity with the Nigerian government in its efforts to combat terrorism.
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