Terrorists
By Akeem Atoyebi
In a move to curtail and rein in the Lakurawa sect, the Federal Government has decided to use more military personnel and formations in the states where the terrorists operate.
NATIONAL WAVES gathered that the sect, which operates in North West states Sokoto and Kebbi, has moved into Niger State in North Central Nigeria, as well as Kaduna State.
The Sokoto State Government asserted that it was concerned about the lives and property of its people, noting that security topped its nine-point agenda.
The Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmad Aliyu, Col Ahmed Usman (retd.), said the Federal Government promised to deploy more security operatives in the state to tackle the sect that attacked Mera village, Kebbi State, leaving 17 residents dead November 8.
The terrorist group also rustled dozens of cattle in the community as the village vigilante fought back killing two members of the group during an exchange of fire.
Usman said, “If you can remember, the Minister of State for Defence during his working visit to Sokoto had disclosed the kind of pressure mounted on the Federal Government by the state government on the need to come to their aid.
“And the Federal Government has promised to establish more military formations and deploy more personnel and equipment to Sokoto State.
“On our part, the state government has provided the facility for the air component of operation ‘Fansan Yamma.’ Now, we don’t need to wait for fighter jets from Katsina in case of any emergency or air support.”
He added, “So, there has been investment in security infrastructure, including establishing more security outposts (Forward Operation Bases) and upgrading surveillance systems in key locations.
“The Sokoto State government has strengthened partnerships with federal security agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to tackling security challenges.
“Similarly, the government has launched public awareness campaigns with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and other local NGOs to educate citizens on security issues and encourage them to report suspicious activities.”
Speaking further, the governor’s aide explained that the current administration had been providing logistics support to the security agencies, assuring that Lakurawa “will soon be a thing of the past.”
Usman stated, “We provided tens of operational vehicles, including motorcycles, to security agencies and restored their allowances. In addition to other measures, we created the state-owned security outfit, which we called Sokoto State Community Guards, and they were equipped.
“Their role is to support the conventional security agencies in intelligence gathering, among others. The state government has inaugurated a security community under the leadership of the Deputy Governor of the state.
“The committee comprises security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, among other stakeholders in security. In fact, even the latest news about the Lakurawa was broken by the deputy governor while receiving members of the National Defence College in the state.”
