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.
In a statement by the national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the coalition particularly charges local, state, and federal authorities on one hand and communities, religious and traditional leaders on the other hand to joint hand together to confront this new common threat.
He said the CNG has unfortunately heard of the emergence of a new terror group identified as “Lakurawa,” reportedly operating around Kebbi and Sokoto states in northwestern Nigeria, saying 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.
“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 CNG confirmed that this 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,” he said.
He revealed that the coalition 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 and urged 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 coalition strongly called 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 national coordinator said.
The CNG suggested that an immediate, well-coordinated response across all levels of government is imperative to prevent Lakurawa from gaining further strength and territorial control.
CNG 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.
“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 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,” the statement reads in part.
The CNG also appealed to the residents and communities of Kebbi, Sokoto, and neighboring states to cooperate closely with security forces, saying this is because community support is vital in gathering information, identifying suspicious activities, and helping security agencies in their operations.
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