The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning to the recently emerged Islamic sect in the North-West, known as Lakurawa, emphasizing that the group’s days are numbered if they do not cease their violent activities. Ribadu made it clear that the government is fully committed to combating any form of terrorism and extremism that threatens the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, stressing that such groups will not go unpunished. He called on the sect to abandon their violent ways and embrace peace, as the government is prepared to take decisive action to neutralize any threats posed by these terrorist elements.
Ribadu reassured the general public that measures are already in place to guarantee the safety of all Nigerians and restore order to the affected regions. He stressed that the government will not tolerate any actions that endanger the peace and stability of the nation. During his speech at the opening ceremony of the Comptroller General of Customs Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Ribadu confidently stated that nobody dares challenge President Bola Tinubu and survives the consequences. He emphasized that the Lakurawa group had chosen the wrong time to emerge, given that President Tinubu is in power, and vowed that they would be eradicated from Nigeria.
The emergence of the Lakurawa group was confirmed last week by the Defence Headquarters, which stated that the group is exacerbating the already precarious security situation in the North-West, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states. According to Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, the Lakurawa sect is linked to terrorist organizations in the Sahel region, particularly from Mali and the Republic of Niger. The group is reported to have crossed into Nigeria from these countries, taking advantage of the instability caused by the recent coup in Niger. General Buba mentioned that the Nigerian military is already engaged in efforts to contain the sect, but the threat remains significant.
General Buba also disclosed that the Lakurawa group has been intensifying its insurgency in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states, after the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. This breakdown occurred after the coup in Niger, which has led to an increase in cross-border terrorism from Mali and Niger. The Nigerian military has responded by launching operations against the new terror group, and authorities have declared nine suspected terrorists wanted for their involvement in the ongoing security crisis.
The government, with the support of the military, is determined to root out terrorism from Nigeria and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. Ribadu's comments come as part of the broader efforts to curb the rising security challenges in the region and to send a strong message to terrorist groups that their actions will not be tolerated. The fight against terrorism remains a top priority for the Nigerian government, and it is committed to safeguarding the country’s borders from these foreign threats.
