In response to the growing threat posed by the Lakurawa terrorist sect, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to deploy additional military personnel and establish new formations in areas affected by the lakurawa group’s activities. Originally concentrated in the North West states of Sokoto and Kebbi, the sect has now extended its operations to Niger and Kaduna states in North Central Nigeria, raising concerns among local governments and residents.
Colonel Ahmed Usman (retd.), Special Adviser on Security Matters to Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, revealed that the government is committed to a strengthened military presence in Sokoto. The state has already begun facilitating this effort by establishing facilities for the air component of Operation ‘Fansan Yamma,’ allowing for rapid air support during security incidents. Sokoto has also invested in additional Forward Operation Bases and upgraded its surveillance infrastructure to curb the lakurawa sect’s activities.
Sokoto State’s Proactive Measures and Local Security Initiatives
The Sokoto State government has implemented a range of measures to support security agencies in tackling the Lakurawa threat. According to Colonel Usman, the state has provided vehicles, motorcycles, and allowances for security operatives. Additionally, a newly created local security outfit, the Sokoto State Community Guards, assists in intelligence gathering and works closely with conventional forces to safeguard communities.
Sokoto has further partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local non-governmental organizations to increase public awareness and encourage citizens to report suspicious activities. The government has also launched youth empowerment programs to reduce the lure of joining lakurawa groups, as well as conflict resolution mechanisms to manage disputes that could otherwise escalate into violence.
Federal and Regional Collaboration to Suppress Lakurawa’s Spread
The Federal Government’s increased troop deployment reflects a broader regional strategy to contain the Lakurawa sect, which has become a source of alarm among northern states. The Defence Minister, Muhammad Abubakar, recently assured residents that the armed forces are prepared to dismantle the group. Abubakar emphasized that the military has adopted a more aggressive stance, with recent successes in repelling sect members and recovering stolen cattle after attacks.
In response to Lakurawa’s expansion, states like Niger and Kaduna have collaborated to counter the sect’s movements. Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mohammed Bello, noted that the neighboring states are coordinating efforts and pooling resources for a unified front. This coalition seeks to address the security vacuum that often arises when terrorists shift operations across loosely defined state borders.
Community Leaders’ Perspectives and the Call for Dialogue
Despite the military’s efforts, some local leaders advocate for alternative strategies. Sani Jabi, the District Head of Gagi in Sokoto, proposed dialogue as a potential path to peacefully dislodge Lakurawa without violent confrontations. Jabi highlighted that the sect had coexisted peacefully with some communities until recent events, urging the government to consider diplomatic efforts alongside military interventions.
Other community representatives, including Umaru Bauji of Mera, expressed satisfaction with the improved security following troop deployments but cautioned against prematurely withdrawing forces. Bauji stressed the need for a permanent military presence to prevent a resurgence of violence. He also called for increased intelligence gathering and stronger border monitoring, given the sect’s ability to evade capture by crossing state and national boundaries
It’s pertinent for security agencies to create synergy among themselves in order to the rise the of outbreaks of lakurawa security threat capable of plugging Nigeria into another Boko Haram menace
Which had overstretched the corporate existence and retard the development of the country
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