By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has urged residents, especially of Sokoto and Kebbi’ States in the NorthWest where a new terrorist group known as Lukarawa has emerged, not to panic, stating that everything is being done to protect the people and deactivate the group as soon as possible.
Addressing Defence correspondents in Abuja on the development, the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC),
Major- Gen Adamu Laka, said the Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA), in conjunction with the nation’s various security agencies, is addressing the issue squarely to nip the emerging threat in the bud and ensure continued peace in the area.
NCTC is a multi-stakeholder agency under ONSA that coordinates and leads counter-terrorism efforts in the country.
Cautioning Nigerians against further spreading of fears among the populace about the group’s activities through the conventional and social media, General Laka who described the numerical strength of the armed group as insignificant, assured that they would soon be history.
“Concerning the terrorists group being called Lakurawa, there’s no cause for concern, the Office of National Security Adviser is on top of the issue, that I guarantee you. It’s not as the issue is being reported, no, not as bad as that. Their total number is not more than 150 to 200, very insignificant.
“However, they are looking for more people to join them, and Nigerians have been resilient in resisting, that’s why the issue came up. if they had kept quiet within themselves, maybe things would have been out of hand. Yes, they are looking for people to recruit, but we are on top of the issue,” the National Coordinator said.
He also allayed the fears of Nigerians that the group may spread its tentacles beyond the present location it is, while counseling against attributing any criminal activities to the group without proper verification, adding that doing so amounts to glorifying them.
Assuring that the intelligence agencies were working tirelessly to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent and counter all security threats, Laka said they’d also reached out and strengthened neighbouring countries.
“We are implementing heightened security protocols in high-risk areas and using advanced technology to monitor, gather and analyse 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.
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.”
“Nigeria has started a 24-hour surveillance over sea and land ports. We urge every Nigerian to be vigilante and imbibe the principle of ‘If you see something, say something’.