- He emphasised that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies is actively addressing the threat
The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, has assured Nigerians that the terrorist group Lakurawa, responsible for a recent surge in violence in Sokoto State and parts of the North West, will be eliminated soon.
Speaking on Thursday, Laka stressed that there is no cause for alarm as the group’s membership is estimated to be no more than 200 individuals.
He emphasised that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is actively addressing the threat. “We are on top of the situation, and the group will be wiped out in no distant future,” Laka said.
He added that since the emergence of Lakurawa, top defence officials, including the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, have held several meetings to devise effective strategies. “Concrete steps have been taken to eliminate this group and any other threats to peace in Sokoto and across Nigeria.”
Laka explained that the group initially arrived in the North West at the request of locals seeking protection from bandits. However, Lakurawa later turned against the people by imposing and collecting taxes, a situation the government will not tolerate.
President Bola Tinubu has reportedly provided full support to security agencies to ensure the eradication of the group. Laka urged Nigerians not to succumb to fear, noting that the terrorists aim to spread panic and division.
“They are not as many as people think. Their numbers range between 150 and 200. What they want is to instil fear, and Nigerians must resist falling prey to this tactic,” he said.
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