Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, has addressed the recent uptick in terrorist activity in Sokoto State and parts of Nigeria’s Northwest, attributing it to a group called Lakurawa.
He assured the public that the group, with an estimated membership of fewer than 200, poses no significant threat, and there is no need for alarm.
According to Major General Laka, the Nigerian military, along with other security agencies coordinated by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is actively managing the situation and is poised to dismantle the group soon.
Commenting on counter-terrorism efforts, Laka said, “Though this Lakurawa group has introduced new threats, with a strong strategy and public support, we are well-positioned to neutralize these risks.”
Since the group’s emergence, officials, including the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and other high-ranking officers, have held numerous discussions and developed a comprehensive plan to eliminate this threat.
Laka noted that the group is attempting to leverage technology and tactics to intimidate communities, but he expressed confidence that Nigeria’s unity would overcome these disruptions.
Discussing how Lakurawa came to be active in the Northwest, Laka explained that local communities initially invited the group to provide security against bandits.
However, the group later began imposing taxes on residents—an action that will not be tolerated in a sovereign nation. Laka further highlighted that the President and NSA are fully committed to providing all necessary support to eradicate terrorism.
Finally, Laka cautioned against the public amplifying fears associated with Lakurawa, as the group’s main objective is to spread fear, which can inadvertently be fueled by public apprehension.
He stressed, “Their numbers are small, between 150 to 200, and the situation is under control. Nigerians should remain calm and not fall victim to fear tactics.”
