The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed concerns over the emergence of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group terrorising communities in the Northwest, particularly in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
The group, confirmed by local sources and the Defence Headquarters, has reportedly been enforcing its brand of justice, expelling security personnel and vigilante groups, and recruiting members through monetary incentives or coercion.
The charge is coming as the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Olufemi Oluyede, visited the 8 Division in Sokoto, Sokoto state, during which he charged troops to shun any form of complacency that could jeopardise ongoing operations to overcome the security challenges bedevilling the region.
…ACF raises concerns
But, raising concerns over the new wave of terrorism in the Northwest in a statement, Sunday, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum described the activities of Lakurawa as an alarming escalation in the already dire security situation in the region.
“The emergence of this group poses a severe challenge to Nigeria’s national security interests. The time to act is now—decisive and immediate measures must be taken to decimate this threat before it takes root in our communities,” Professor Muhammad-Baba eemphasised.l
Highlighting recent incidents, the ACF noted that Lakurawa’s violent activities had led to the killing of 15 people in Argungu local government area within a span of 48 hours.
“The group, said to be composed of foreign nationals speaking French and a dialect of Arabic, poses a significant risk as it has reportedly begun widespread recruitment efforts,” the statement added.
ACF urged the security agencies to act swiftly, warning against the dangers of underestimating the group’s potential, similar to the initial responses to Boko Haram and other insurgencies in the Northeast and Northcentral regions.
The forum also called for a comprehensive review of the national security strategy to reinforce the government’s resolve against such threats.
“The security agencies must harness all resources—human and material—to subdue Lakurawa and prevent them from establishing a foothold,” the statement read.
The ACF also underscored the importance of collaborative intelligence gathering and the need for local informants to understand the consequences of aiding terrorist elements.
To strengthen the fight against cross-border terrorism, the ACF called for the reinvigoration of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) and appealed for Nigeria’s neighbouring countries, particularly Niger Republic, to rejoin security collaborations.
It noted that earlier visits to Niger by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, should be used as a foundation for renewing cross-border efforts against terrorism.
The ACF outlined key steps, including the involvement of traditional and religious leaders, community figures, and hunters to support national security measures.
It also urged border communities to adopt early warning systems to complement government efforts and called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and supportive of security forces.
“We stand at a critical juncture; allowing this group to spread unchecked could have disastrous implications for national stability,” Muhammad-Baba warned, reiterating the importance of addressing potential foreign involvement in supporting these terror activities.
The ACF, however, concluded by urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and to ensure that the security of the Northwest and the nation at large remains a top priority.
…Ag. COAS tasks troops
But speaking Sunday during an operational tour of Sokoto, the Acting COAS, General Oluyede, called on Nigerians to support troops with credible information about the terrorists, saying with this collaboration, Nigeria will be secured.
A statement by the Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachuckwu, said acting COAS, who arrived the caliphate city in the early hours of the day, immediately proceeded to Forward Operations Base Tangaza and 248 Battalion in Illela, where he received briefs on the security situation, from the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose.
Addressing the troops, Gen Oluyede commended them for their sacrifice and commitment in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Northwest zone of the country.
He disclosed that he was on an operational tour to obtain first-hand information and undertake an assessment of the security situation and challenges facing the troops in the course of the operation.
The Army Chief assured them of his full support and encouragement to decisively deplete the activities of terrorists and insurgents in their respective areas of responsibility and the zone in general.
While interacting with the chairman of the Tangaza local government council, Hon. Bashir Salihu, traditional heads and heads of security agencies at Illela, he called for synergy and collaboration with the troops.
He called on the people to support the troops with credible information, adding that it is with their support that the troops will effectively protect them and secure the nation as a whole.
“Nigerian Army is the people’s Army and Nigeria belongs to all of us, without support of the locals, Nigerian Army cannot succeed. We must collectively do all it takes to defend our country,” Oluyede clarified.