The Federal Government, on Thursday, dismissed fears among residents of Sokoto and Kebbi States by a new terrorists group known as ‘Lakurawa’, saying that the nation’s security agencies are currently addressed the matter squarely.
Addressing Defence Correspondents in Abuja on the development, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC),
Major- Gen Adamu Laka, described the numerical strength of the as insignificant which are being handled appropriately by the nation’s security forces, saying that they would soon be history.
The National Co-ordinator of the centre, which is under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), advised Nigerians against spreading of fears in the mind of the populace about the group through the social media as currently being done.
According to him, “Concerning the terrorists group being called Lakurawa group, there’s no cause for concern, the Office of National Security Adviser is on top of the issue, that I guarantee you. It’s not as the issue, the way it’s being reported is not as bad as that. Their total number is not more than 150, 200 of the Lukarawa, very insignificant
“However, they are looking for more people to join them, and Nigeria being resilient, that’s why the issue came up. if they had kept quiet within themselves, maybe things would have been out.
“But they are looking for people to recruit. And we are on top of the issue. There are things I shouldn’t say, but we are on top of the issue.”
He also allayed the fears of Nigerians that the group may spread its tentacles beyond present location it is, while counseling that any criminality that happens should not be attributed to the group.
According to him, “So, the issue of Lakurawa extending to Kebbi, Kaduna, how many are they? Are they that much that they can terrorise Kebbi, terrorise Sokoto? Now, they are coming all the way down to Kaduna? How?
“We’re talking about 150 people. You understand? Very soon, an incident will happen in, maybe Niger, because that’s the latest thing invoke. Everybody is just spreading it. It’s not as bad as we are looking at it.
“When the banditry was at its peak, people didn’t make noise about it. The way this Lakurawa, everybody is looking at it like a new Boko Haram coming to threaten Nigeria,”
He further assured that the intelligence agencies were working tirelessly to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent and counter these threats, adding that they’ve also strengthened ties reached out to neighbouring countries.
According to him, “We are implementing heightened security protocols in high-risk areas and advanced technology to monitor, gather and analyze intelligence.
“You may have noticed an increased joint operations between the military and other security forces that have resulted in the neutralisation and arrest of several non-state armed groups.
“Also, our intelligence agencies are working tirelessly to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent and counter these threats. We have also maintained close ties with our allies to ensure that we stay ahead of those who seek to harm us on security of our borders.”
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