The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called for concerted efforts among all stakeholders to tackle the emergence of a terrorist group called Lakurawa around the Sokoto-Kebbi axis.
CNG, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, charged local, state, and federal authorities, communities, and religious and traditional leaders to join hands to confront his new common threat.
“We have unfortunately heard of the emergence of a new terror group identified as “Lakurawa,” reportedly operating around Kebbi and Sokoto states in northwestern Nigeria.
“This development poses yet another threat to the safety and security of residents and has the potential to further destabilise an already vulnerable region if left unchecked,” the statement said.
CNG said it was informed that the Lakurawa group has begun establishing itself with intentions that appear to mirror the tactics of other violent organisations that have, over time, spread terror across the region.
The CNG noted that the new group has already begun creating an atmosphere of fear, disrupting local communities, and killing the lives and livelihoods of the residents.
“The emergence of this group is particularly concerning given the historical and ongoing security challenges the northern region faces, including banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping.
“We reliably gathered that they give monetary incentives to youths in rural communities in Sokoto for the purpose of recruiting an army of youths into their fold,” CNG noted.
The CNG therefore urged the federal government, security agencies, and state and local government authorities to take decisive and proactive measures to address this threat while it is still in its infancy.
“The CNG strongly calls on the federal government to significantly raise the number of troops currently combating the insecurity in the Northwest subregion, as their current figure of about 13,000 is not just inadequate but also stretches their power and will to thoroughly eliminate the terrorists destroying the region.
“Regrettably, this insufficiency of combatants on the ground in the frontline states had resulted in a resurgence of attacks and killings in many LGAs across the three states, such as Tsafe, Gusau, Funtua, Jibia, and Sokoto, among others.
“The CNG, therefore, recommends that at least 40,000 fully combatant troops be deployed to the Northwest, which will be complemented by the local community security watch to confront the challenge head-on.
“The CNG suggests that an immediate, well-coordinated response across all levels of government is imperative to prevent Lakurawa from gaining further strength and territorial control.
“CNG calls on security agencies to deploy intelligence, surveillance, and tactical operations in affected areas to identify and dismantle this group’s network before it entrenches itself.
“The CNG extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and good people of Kebbi State over the killing of 15 persons in Augie local government area of the state in such a despicable manner. We pray that Allah may rest their souls and hasten the healing of the wounded.
“We are privy to the efforts of the state governor in addressing insecurity in the state. With this new challenge, the CNG calls on Governor Nasir Idris to remain resolute and not get distracted in his commitment to securing his people.
“The CNG implores Kebbi to adopt strategies of engaging Community Watch Corps to complement the conventional security forces that its neighbours, such as Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, have adopted to ensure a more robust and coordinated approach in addressing the common threat.
“In the same vein, the CNG also appeals to the residents and communities of Kebbi, Sokoto, and neighbouring states to cooperate closely with security forces. This is because community support is vital in gathering information, identifying suspicious activities, and helping security agencies in their operations.
“We encourage local leaders and residents to prioritise collective security by reporting unusual activities to the appropriate authorities and supporting all efforts to restore peace and stability,” the statement added.
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