The National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has pledged a determined response against the newly emerged Lukarawa terrorist group in Nigeria’s northwestern region.
Speaking at the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja, Ribadu underscored the commitment of the Tinubu administration to eliminate threats posed by the group, which recently established itself along the fringes of Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Ribadu revealed that Lukarawa terrorists, who reportedly crossed into Nigeria through Niger’s borders following the military coup in Niger in July 2023, are intent on spreading violence and extremist ideology.
The Defence Headquarters recently reported that the group had migrated from the Sahel, with roots in Mali and Niger, where they gained notoriety before moving into Nigeria.
In his address, Ribadu expressed confidence in the administration’s security approach, pointing to recent successes against bandit groups.
“The so-called Lukarawa, or whatever you call them, are making a mistake. Nobody ever dares Tinubu and wins. They have come at the wrong time, and we will kick them out of Nigeria,” Ribadu stated firmly.
The NSA also highlighted the government’s strategy of increased synergy between security agencies, resulting in improved responses to terrorism, banditry, and insurgency.
He noted that bandits were now surrendering daily as the military maintained pressure on criminal networks.
“The bandits are running left, right. Every single day, people are surrendering. Even right now, we have places where we are receiving surrendered bandits,” Ribadu stressed.
Military operations have intensified in affected areas, with recent campaigns recovering dozens of stolen livestock from Lukarawa insurgents and forcing the group into retreat.
Ribadu assured Nigerians that security forces will sustain these efforts, promising that Lukarawa, like Boko Haram, will find Nigeria “no longer conducive for their operations.”
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