The Federal Government has pledged to deploy more military personnel and formations in states affected by the Lakurawa sect, a new terrorist group that has spread to several states in northern Nigeria.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Lakurawa sect, which initially operated in Sokoto and Kebbi states, has extended its reach to Niger and Kaduna states.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has expressed concern over the group’s activities, stating that security is a top priority on its nine-point agenda.
Col Ahmed Usman (retd.), Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmad Aliyu revealed that the Federal Government has promised to establish more military formations and deploy additional personnel and equipment to Sokoto State. This move is aimed at tackling the sect, which recently attacked Mera village in Kebbi State, killing 17 residents and rustling dozens of cattle.
Usman said, “If you can remember, the Minister of State for Defence during his working visit to Sokoto had disclosed the kind of pressure mounted on the Federal Government by the state government on the need to come to their aid.
“And the Federal Government has promised to establish more military formations and deploy more personnel and equipment to Sokoto State.
“On our part, the state government has provided the facility for the air component of operation ‘Fansan Yamma.’ Now, we don’t need to wait for fighter jets from Katsina in case of any emergency or air support.”
He added, “So, there has been investment in security infrastructure, including establishing more security outposts (Forward Operation Bases) and upgrading surveillance systems in key locations.
“The Sokoto State government has strengthened partnerships with federal security agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to tackling security challenges.
“Similarly, the government has launched public awareness campaigns with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and other local NGOs to educate citizens on security issues and encourage them to report suspicious activities.”
“We provided tens of operational vehicles, including motorcycles, to security agencies and restored their allowances. In addition to other measures, we created the state-owned security outfit, which we called Sokoto State Community Guards, and they were equipped.
“Their role is to support the conventional security agencies in intelligence gathering, among others. The state government has inaugurated a security community under the leadership of the Deputy Governor of the state.
“The committee comprises security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, among other stakeholders in security. In fact, even the latest news about the Lakurawa was broken by the deputy governor while receiving members of the National Defence College in the state.”
The Sokoto State government said it has also launched public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on security issues and encourage them to report suspicious activities.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Abubakar, assured citizens of Sokoto and Kebbi states that the armed forces are ready to crush Lakurawa and other terrorist groups. Abubakar stated that the military has taken a decisive decision against Lakurawa, citing the group’s recent defeat in Mera village as evidence of the military’s effectiveness.
The Defence Headquarters said it has deployed more troops to the area to dislodge the terror group.
