The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC),Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major- Gen Adamu Laka, has allayed fears over security threats posed by new terror group Lakurawa.
He urged Nigerians not to panic, saying the group will soon be crushed.
Maj- Gen. who stated this while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, urged residents of Sokoto and Kebbi state not to panic, saying concrete steps have been taken by security agencies under the supervision of the NSA to wipe out the new terror group.
He said, “It is true that a new wave of threats by the Lakurawas has emerged, but together, through strategic actions and unwavering public support, we can confront and overcome these threats
“Since the emergence of the group, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other Service Chiefs have met severally and concrete steps based on informed decisions have been taken to completely wipe members of this group or any other from Sokoto state and Nigeria at large.”
Laka while dismissing threats posed by the group, said their numerical strength is between 150 to 200.
He added the security agencies are working hard to put measures in place to stop them from recruiting more members in order to prevent them from spreading to other parts of the North West.
According to him, “Concerning the terrorists group being called Lakurawa group, there’s no cause for concern, the Office of National Security Adviser is on top of the issue, that I guarantee you. The issue is not as bad as it is being reported. Their total number is not more than 150, 200 of the Lukarawa, very insignificant
“However, they are looking for more people to join them, and Nigeria being resilient, that’s why the issue came up. if they had kept quiet within themselves, maybe things would 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 further assured that the intelligence agencies were working tirelessly to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent and counter these threats, adding that they’ve also strengthened ties reached out to neighbouring countries.
According to him, “We are implementing heightened security protocols in high-risk areas and advanced technology to monitor, gather and analyze intelligence.
“You may have noticed an 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 security of our borders.”