ACF Urges Action As New Terror Group Launches Attacks In Kebbi
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the security agencies to take swift and decisive action to eliminate Lakurawa, a foreign armed group, before it gains a foothold in the North West and other parts of the country.
Lakurawa has been responsible for recent violence in the North West, especially in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The group’s activities have worsened regional security concerns, with a recent attack in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, claiming 15 lives.
Residents said the armed group struck as they were preparing for Jumaat prayers on Friday afternoon, making off with at least one hundred cattle.
ACF National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, in a statement on Sunday, warned against the passive response that allowed groups like Boko Haram to grow unchecked.
“The emergence of this group is both dangerous and alarming, indicating a further escalation in the devastating insecurity affecting the North West, now considered Nigeria’s epicentre of terrorism.
“Lakurawa’s rise coincides with increased efforts by the Nigerian military to combat banditry in the region, posing a significant national security threat,” he said.
The forum called on the military to enhance intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation under the Office of the National Security Advisor.
“Community vigilance and involvement of local leaders, hunters, and vigilante groups to support security forces as well as early warning and response training for border communities will go a long way to aid in detecting threats,” he added.
ACF said the emergence of the Lakurawa terror group necessitated the need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s national security strategies and tactics, as well as stronger collaboration through the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The forum said the Niger Republic must be persuaded to return to participate in the endeavour.
“The visit to the Niger Republic earlier in the year by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, should be utilised as a fulcrum for renewed cross-border international efforts to deal with terrorists.
“The federal government, state and local authorities should also leverage on the close complex historic socio-cultural, economic and political ties with Nigeria’s neighbours with which to confront the mutual existential security threats that terror groups pose to all,” the statement said.
