The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised concerns over the emergence of a new terror group, “Lakurawa,” operating in the Sokoto-Kebbi states, calling for a united response from all stakeholders to combat the threat.
In a statement released on Monday by CNG’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between local, state, and federal authorities, alongside communities, religious, and traditional leaders, to address the escalating insecurity posed by Lakurawa.
“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 destabilize an already vulnerable region if left unchecked.
” Reports reaching the CNG indicate that the Lakurawa group has begun establishing itself with intentions that appear to mirror the tactics of other violent organizations that have, over time, spread terror across the region,” the statement said.
The CNG also confirmed that the group has already begun creating an atmosphere of fear, disrupting local communities, and killing 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.
” We urge the federal government, security agencies, 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 ground in the frontline states had resulted in 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,” it said.
The pro-northern group also called 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.
It extended 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 a despicable manner and prayed that may Allah rest their souls and hasten the healing of the wounded.
“We are privy of 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 neighboring 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 prioritize collective security by reporting unusual activities to the appropriate authorities and supporting all efforts to restore peace and stability.
” The CNG reiterates that all hands must be on deck to nip this new terror gangs in the bud to protect our communities and secure our region,” CNG added.
