Ex-DSS operative warns Nigeria to brace for war amid ‘Lakurawa’ threat

A former Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Seyi Adetayo, has urged Nigeria to take immediate action against the emergence of a new terrorist group known as Lakurawa, warning that the country must recognize it is essentially facing a war.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Adetayo likened the Lakurawa group to established terrorist factions like ISWAP and Boko Haram, highlighting their destabilizing impact in Nigeria’s North East.

“Lakurawa is set to become another dominant threat until Nigeria acknowledges it is at war and ramps up military and intelligence efforts,” Adetayo asserted.

The Director of Defense Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, had earlier confirmed that “Troops are engaging Lakurawa elements in Sokoto and Kebbi states.”

According to Buba, the group comprises militants from the Sahel region, particularly from Mali and Niger, who have entered Nigeria due to regional unrest.

Their activities are currently concentrated in the Northwestern states of Kebbi and Sokoto.

Security analysts have partially blamed local communities for the group’s establishment, suggesting that initial tolerance of the group allowed it to gain a foothold.

Adetayo emphasized the need for a significant boost in military manpower.

“Mass recruitment is crucial because the current number of soldiers is inadequate. Without decisive action, more youths may be drawn into these terror groups, making Nigeria increasingly unsafe,” he warned.

Retired military strategist Maj. Gen. Pat Akem, however, advised against panic. He noted that President Bola Tinubu has already implemented measures to counter the emerging threat.

“Declaring a state of war is not necessary,” Akem argued. “The president has directed the armed forces to act decisively against these groups.”

Akem also pointed out that declaring war without adequate resources would be ineffective, stressing the need to strengthen the military’s reputation and reduce its involvement in tasks like policing, which he believes could diminish its operational focus.