Former Department of State Services (DSS) operative Seyi Adetayo has urged immediate action against a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, warning Nigerians to acknowledge that the country is essentially at war.
Speaking on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily program on Friday, Adetayo compared Lakurawa to other established terror groups like ISWAP, Boko Haram, and various bandit factions that have disrupted much of Nigeria's Northeast region.
"Lakurawa will become another name that dominates our discourse on terror until Nigeria declares itself at war and implements measures to enhance military and intelligence operations," Adetayo stated.
The Director of Defense Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, had previously confirmed in November that "Troops are confronted with Lakurawa in the Northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi."
According to Buba, the group is linked to terrorist elements from the Sahel region, particularly from Mali and Niger, who have migrated into Nigeria due to regional instability. Their operations are reported to be concentrated in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Security experts have partially attributed the group's foothold to local communities in these states, criticizing them for initially accepting the group rather than reporting their presence to authorities.
The group's influence has since expanded, leading to heightened security concerns.
Adetayo stressed that the Nigerian military needs significant reinforcement. "Massive recruitment into the army is essential as the current strength of our soldiers is insufficient. If left unchecked, more young boys will be drawn to these terror groups, turning Nigeria into a nation where movement becomes perilous," he cautioned.
Offering a different perspective, retired military strategist Maj. Gen. Pat Akem noted that while the emergence of Lakurawa is serious, there is no need for panic.
He assured citizens that President Bola Tinubu has introduced proactive measures to counter the threat.
"War should not be declared," Akem argued.
"The president has already mandated the armed forces to act decisively against these bandits."
Akem also emphasized that declaring war without the necessary resources would be counterproductive.
He highlighted the need to bolster the military's reputation, cautioning against its involvement in policing and anti-banditry operations that he believes undermine its capabilities.
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