The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Garba Laka says the recent wave of terrorism being perpetrated by a group known as Lakurawa in Sokoto State and parts of the Northwest is already dead on arrival with the posture of the security agencies.
Major General Laka stated this while briefing Journalists on efforts towards tackling the group and other forms of violent extremism in the country.
According to General Laka, members of the group are employing new tactics of spreading fear, causing division, exploiting technology, and seeking to disrupt life in the communities.
He however assures the public that Nigeria’s security agencies through strategic actions are implementing heightened security protocols in high-risk areas using advanced technology and called on the public to give its unwavering support to overcome every threat.
“I am confident that, with the strength of a united community, we will stand resilient and conquer them in no distant time as the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security forces are paying the supreme price to win the war against the non-state armed groups, to accentuate the patriotic zeal and total commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other Service Chiefs in the war against insecurity in Nigeria”
“Since the emergence of this unwholesome group, the Minister of Defence, the 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” stated General Laka.
The National Coordinator emphasised that in addressing the security challenges facing the nation, the security agencies are focused on prompt proactive actions for prevention, preparedness, and partnership with a whole-of-Government and Society approach to all forms of threats to national existence.
“We are implementing heightened security protocols in high-risk areas and currently using advanced technology to monitor, gather and analyse data. You will notice an increased might of the military and other security forces in operations leading to the death and massive arrest of the leaders and members of terrorist and extremist groups”
“Our intelligence agencies are working tirelessly, both nationally and with international partners for us to be on top of the problem. The current synergy among the military and all other security forces and cooperation with our allies is to ensure that we stay ahead of those who seek to harm us”
“Authorities of the Nigerian Government have started a 24-hour surveillance of airports, land, and sea borders to buttress the commitment of various security and intelligence agencies towards recovering and sustaining every part of the country”
He therefore called on the media as critical partners in boosting public awareness in the war against terrorism and other forms of organised crimes by increasing public awareness to prevent and mitigate attacks.
He urges every right-thinking Nigerian to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities stressing the slogan, “If you see something, say something”
The Lakurawa Terror group used to act as a vigilante, providing security for the communities and they are originally from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
Dominica Nwabufo
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