An Abuja- based security expert, Mr Seyi Babaeko, has expressed concerns over the emergence of a new armed terrorist group, Lakurawa, in the northwest states of Kebbi and Sokoto.
He said that the recent surge of violent extremism and criminal activity by the new terrorist group underscored the urgency for decisive action.
Babaeko, who is the Managing Director of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd, made his feeling known in an interview with Newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
He 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 had threatened to further destabilise Nigeria and stretch “an already overextended military.”
He said that while terrorism itself was 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 said the prompt response by the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, with his recent visit to the affected areas had been a morale booster for Nigerian troops working to protect national security.
He said that the resumption of joint patrols between Nigeria and Nigerien forces is a crucial step in 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.
He said that the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu had demonstrated strategic leadership in addressing the security challenge, recognising the importance of unity across Nigeria’s diverse populations.
Babaeko said that the fight against insecurity must transcend religious, racial, and political lines.
He urged governors in the affected states to amplify service delivery to their constituents, especially the youth, to counteract the appeal of terrorist recruitment.
On the way forward, the expert urged the government to adopt a proactive and multi-dimensional approach to address the threat.
