The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called for urgent, coordinated action from all levels of government and local communities to combat the emergence of a new terrorist group, “Lakurawa,” operating in the northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi.
In a statement issued on Monday, CNG’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, warned that the group, which has reportedly begun recruiting local youths and spreading fear across the region, could further destabilize the already volatile area.
The CNG described the group’s actions as a significant security threat, noting that Lakurawa’s tactics appear similar to those of other violent organizations that have long plagued northern Nigeria, such as bandits and insurgents. Local reports suggest the group has begun killing residents and disrupting daily life in affected communities.
Charanchi emphasized the need for an immediate, collaborative response to prevent Lakurawa from gaining further strength. “The federal government, state authorities, and local leaders must join forces to confront this new threat before it spreads,” he said.
The group’s recruitment strategy reportedly includes offering financial incentives to young people in rural areas, particularly in Sokoto, to join their ranks.
The CNG has urged the federal government to significantly increase the number of military personnel deployed to the northwest, noting that the current 13,000 troops are insufficient. The group has called for the deployment of at least 40,000 troops, supported by local community security watch programs, to tackle the insurgency more effectively.
Security concerns have been mounting in the region, with local government areas such as Tsafe, Gusau, and Funtua in Zamfara, and parts of Sokoto, experiencing a surge in attacks. Charanchi called for enhanced intelligence and surveillance to dismantle the group’s networks before it can expand its influence.
The CNG also extended condolences to the people of Kebbi state following the killing of 15 people in the Augie local government area by suspected militants. The group commended Kebbi’s Governor Nasir Idris for his ongoing efforts to address insecurity but urged him to remain focused on the new threat.
In closing, the CNG called on communities in Kebbi, Sokoto, and surrounding areas to support security efforts by providing vital information to authorities and assisting in counterterrorism operations.
“All hands must be on deck to eliminate these terrorist gangs and restore peace to our region,” the statement concluded.