An Abuja- based security expert, Mr Seyi Babaeko, has expressed concerns over the emergence of a new armed terror group, Lakurawa, in the northwest states of Kebbi and Sokoto.
He said the recent surge of violent extremism and criminal activity by the new terror group underscores the urgency of decisive action.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) earlier today (Thursday, November 14) in Lagos, Babaeko, who is the Managing Director of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd, said that the July 2023 military coup in neighboring Niger, which halted joint border patrols, had enabled Lakurawa to exploit Nigeria’s porous borders and expand its activities.
The expert said that in the 2023 Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria has made progress in combating terrorism, with its index score dropping from 8.07 points in 2022 to 7.58 points in 2023.
“Nigeria has made progress, yet remains burdened with the violent legacies of Boko Haram, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), and various armed bandit groups.
“These groups have not only displaced thousands and disrupted farming activities but have also deepened food insecurity across the region, ” he said.
The expert expressed concern that another insurgent group has threatened to further destabilise Nigeria and stretch “an already overextended military.”
According to him, while terrorism itself is inexpensive to initiate, counter-terrorism is resource-intensive, requiring significant funding, manpower, and logistics.
“Lakurawa’s tactics, including preaching extremist ideologies and enforcing harsh edicts on local communities, suggest that the group harbors ambitions to expand its territorial influence within Nigeria, ” he said.
Babaeko said the Nigerian Defense spokesperson, Edward Buba, had emphasised in a detailed briefing that although Lakurawa was initially not a top security concern, its threat has escalated considerably.
He, however, said the prompt response by the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, with his recent visit to the affected areas, has been a morale booster for Nigerian troops working to protect national security.
He said the resumption of joint patrols between Nigeria and Nigerien forces is a crucial step towards containing Lakurawa’s cross-border activities.
“Sustained and collaborative efforts across Nigeria’s security agencies are urgently needed to prevent the group’s foothold from becoming entrenched, ” he said.
Babaeko said the fight against insecurity must transcend religious, racial and political lines, urging the Governors in the affected States to amplify service delivery to their constituents, especially the youth, to counteract the appeal of terror recruitments.
On the way forward, the expert urged the government to adopt a proactive and multi-dimensional approach to address the threat.
