The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the federal government to take immediate action to eradicate the new terrorist group, Lakurawa, which is spreading terror in the Northwest states of Kebbi and Sokoto.
The forum warned that if left unchecked, the group could escalate into a significant security threat in the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary, Professor Muhammad Tukur Baba, ACF highlighted the growing danger posed by the group, which has been terrorizing local communities, attacking national security agents, and enforcing its own brand of justice.
The forum also noted that while the group’s membership is reportedly of foreign origin, including French speakers and Arabic dialect speakers, they have been recruiting new members through both monetary incentives and coercion.
The statement read, “Already, within the last 48 hours, the group has attacked communities in Argungu Local Government Area, killing 15 persons. This development is simply one too many.”
The ACF described the emergence of Lakurawa as a deeply concerning and dangerous sign, pointing to an escalation in the insecurity in the Northwest, which has become the epicenter of terrorism in Nigeria.
ACF further emphasized that, coming at a time when the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to combat banditry in the region, the rise of Lakurawa presents a grave new threat to national security.
The forum stated, “ACF considers the emergence of this group very dangerous and alarming as it indicates an escalation in the already devastating state of insecurity in the Northwest.”
The forum strongly urged the federal government to act decisively to prevent Lakurawa from establishing a foothold in the region, drawing a parallel to the early stages of Boko Haram’s rise, as well as the ongoing issues of farmer-herder clashes and banditry.
“Lakurawa, at this incipient stage of its emergence, must not be tolerated or allowed to embed itself within our communities through benign neglect or lenient treatment,” ACF warned.
ACF called for swift and robust action from security agencies to dismantle Lakurawa’s networks, stating that all available resources should be mobilized to eradicate the group.
“This is the moment for our security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to subdue and dismantle the Lakurawa terror gangs with all available human and material resources, without hesitation,” the forum urged.
Additionally, the ACF reiterated the need for a comprehensive reassessment of Nigeria’s national security strategies. The forum called for the reinvigoration of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MJTF) arrangement with neighboring countries and urged Nigeria’s neighbors, particularly Niger Republic, to rejoin efforts to combat terrorism.
ACF also stressed the importance of intensified intelligence gathering and highlighted the role of local informants, warning of severe consequences for anyone aiding terror groups.
