The National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, has described the numerical strength of the new terrorist group disturbing the peace of Sokoto and Kebbi States as “insignificant.”
The Centre’s National Coordinator, Major General Adamu Laka, stated this in Abuja on Thursday while providing updates on ONSA’s response to the new threat.
He cautioned Nigerians against spreading fears in the populace’s minds about the group through the media.
Laka, who specifically gave the numerical strength of the new terrorist group as ranging between 150 and 200, said the issue was not as bad as it was, insisting that the problem would soon become a past issue.
He said, “The Office of National Security Adviser is on top of the issue, and I guarantee you. It’s not the issue; how it’s being reported is not as bad as that. Their total number is at most 150-200 of the Lukarawas.
“However, they are looking for more people to join them, and Nigeria is resilient, which is why the issue came up. If they had kept quiet, things might have been out.
“But they are looking for people to recruit. And we are on top of the issue. There are things I shouldn’t say, but we are on top of the issue,”
He also allayed Nigerians’ fears that the group may spread its tentacles beyond its present location while advising them that criminality should not be attributed to the group.
“So, the issue of Lakurawa extending to Kebbi, Kaduna, how many are there? Are they so sure that they can terrorise Kebbi and Sokoto? Now, they are coming all the way down to Kaduna? How?
“We’re talking about 150 people. You understand? Very soon, an incident will happen in, maybe Niger, because that’s the latest thing invoked. Everybody is just spreading it. It is better than we are looking at it.
“When the banditry was at its peak, people didn’t make noise about it. The way this Lakurawa, everybody is looking at it like a new Boko Haram coming to threaten Nigeria,” he said.
Laka also said intelligence agencies were working tirelessly to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent and counter these threats, adding that they have also strengthened ties to neighbouring countries.
He added, “We are implementing heightened security protocols in high-risk areas and advanced technology to monitor, gather and analyse intelligence.
“You may have noticed increased joint operations between the military and other security forces that have resulted in the neutralisation and arrest of several non-state armed groups.
“Also, our intelligence agencies are working tirelessly to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent and counter these threats. We have also maintained close ties with our allies to ensure that we stay ahead of those who seek to harm us on the security of our borders.”
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