The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the Nigerian military to take decisive action against the Lakurawa terror group, which has been terrorizing residents in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
In a statement issued by the Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF described the rise of the new terror group as dangerous and alarming, warning that it signals a worsening of insecurity in the North-West, now regarded as the epicenter of terrorism in Nigeria.
The Forum emphasized the need for urgent intervention, cautioning against underestimating or tolerating the group, citing the initial mishandling of Boko Haram as a cautionary tale.
“The emergence of the Lakurawa terror gang raises serious concerns and must not be toyed with in any form. It should be addressed swiftly and decisively,” the statement said.
The ACF called for a comprehensive review of security strategies to eliminate any doubts about the government’s resolve to tackle terrorism in all forms. It also highlighted the importance of reinvigorating the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MJTF) arrangement, urging Niger Republic to resume active participation in the joint counter-terrorism efforts.
Referencing the visit of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to Niger Republic earlier this year, the Forum suggested that the visit be leveraged to foster renewed international cooperation in addressing cross-border security threats.
The ACF further urged the Federal Government, state, and local authorities to utilize Nigeria’s historic socio-cultural and economic ties with neighboring countries to strengthen collaborative efforts in combating terrorism.
“The mutual existential security threats posed by terror groups require a united approach between Nigeria and its neighbors,” the statement concluded.
