Former Department of State Services (DSS) operative Seyi Adetayo has issued a stark warning about the emergence of a new terrorist group named Lakurawa, urging Nigerians to confront the reality that the country is, in essence, at war.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Friday, Adetayo did not mince words, drawing parallels between Lakurawa and established terror groups like the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram, and other bandit factions that have ravaged Nigeria’s Northeast.
According to him, the threat posed by Lakurawa could soon loom as large as those posed by ISWAP and Boko Haram if proactive measures are not taken immediately.
“Lakurawa will become another name that dominates our discourse on terror until Nigeria declares itself at war and implements measures to enhance military and intelligence operations,” Adetayo stated, underscoring his belief that Nigeria’s response needs to be both immediate and robust.
Reports indicate that Lakurawa operates primarily in the Northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi, and its presence has already heightened tensions across these regions.
In November, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations, confirmed the group’s activities, stating, “Troops are confronted with Lakurawa in the Northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi.”
He further linked Lakurawa’s emergence to terrorist elements from the Sahel region, particularly from conflict-ridden areas in Mali and Niger.
Due to regional instability, these elements have gradually migrated into Nigeria, capitalizing on local vulnerabilities and ungoverned spaces.
For residents in Sokoto and Kebbi, the presence of Lakurawa represents a new wave of fear.
Security experts believe that some local communities initially accepted members of the group, possibly out of fear or the promise of economic benefits.
However, these communities now face escalating security risks as Lakurawa strengthens its influence.
Critics argue that if these communities had immediately reported the group’s presence, the threat might have been contained sooner.
The missed opportunity for early intervention has intensified security concerns, making the group’s expansion even more difficult to counter.
Adetayo has advocated for a substantial boost to Nigeria’s military capabilities as a means of combating the escalating threat.
He emphasized that the current size of the Nigerian military is insufficient to effectively manage the multiplying security threats across the country.
“Massive recruitment into the army is essential as the current strength of our soldiers is insufficient,” he warned.
He added that a failure to address the issue could lead to an influx of young men being drawn into the ranks of terror groups, potentially turning Nigeria into a country where the mere act of movement becomes fraught with danger.
His remarks reflect a sense of urgency that, if ignored, could result in a significant escalation of violence and insecurity.
Offering a different perspective, retired military strategist Maj. Gen. Pat Akem called for a balanced approach, acknowledging the seriousness of the Lakurawa threat but advising against panic or hasty declarations of war.
While Adetayo’s position underscores an urgent need for military reinforcement, Akem’s stance is one of cautious optimism, recognizing that the Nigerian government has already begun taking strategic steps to address the issue.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu has mandated the armed forces to act decisively against Lakurawa and other bandit factions, believing that these proactive measures will contain the threat without the need for a formal declaration of war.
“War should not be declared,” Akem contended.
“The president has already mandated the armed forces to act decisively against these bandits.”
For Akem, while Lakurawa’s rise is undeniably concerning, a declaration of war might be premature without an adequate build-up of resources.
Akem emphasized the importance of building and maintaining the military’s reputation.
He argued that the Nigerian military’s involvement in policing and anti-banditry operations could detract from its primary focus, ultimately diminishing its strength and effectiveness.
He suggested that Nigeria should prioritize reinforcing its military with the necessary resources and support, rather than overextending it in non-combat roles.
His concerns highlight the importance of a coordinated and comprehensive approach to national security, especially when facing increasingly sophisticated terrorist organizations.
In summary, Nigeria faces a complex and evolving security landscape with the emergence of Lakurawa, a group that has already begun to influence the country’s Northwestern region.
While Adetayo advocates for immediate action and a potential declaration of war, Akem emphasizes a more cautious approach, focusing on strengthening the military’s capabilities without overextending its resources.
As Nigeria grapples with these diverging strategies, one thing is certain: the rise of Lakurawa has ushered in a new chapter in the country’s ongoing battle against terrorism.
Whether through aggressive military expansion or strategic resource management, Nigeria must act decisively to prevent Lakurawa from becoming yet another destabilizing force in the nation’s security landscape.
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