Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), has pledged to eliminate the Lakurawa terrorist group, which has recently emerged in the north-western states of Sokoto and Kebbi.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Ribadu emphasized that the Nigerian government is fully committed to countering the terror group.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the presence of the Lakurawa group in Sokoto and Kebbi states last week. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that the group infiltrated Nigeria from the Niger Republic following a military coup that disrupted security cooperation between the two countries.
On November 8, Lakurawa militants reportedly killed 15 people in an attack on Mera village in Augie LGA, Kebbi State.
Ribadu highlighted recent successes against Boko Haram, describing the terror group as “decimated” and noting that members are now fleeing to neighboring countries due to Nigeria’s intensified counterterrorism efforts.
He attributed these gains to the strategic measures implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he referred to as “Tinubu gains.”
“We are beginning to see the gains—what we call Tinubu gains. Hundreds of bandits are killed every day. We move everywhere in our country today free of fear, Tinubu gains. Things are changing,” Ribadu stated.
He also issued a strong warning to Lakurawa, asserting that the group’s timing is ill-fated. “This so-called Lakurawa or whatever you call them are making a mistake; nobody ever dares Tinubu and wins—nobody,” he declared.
“They have come at the wrong time; nobody has ever defeated Tinubu. We will kick the so-called Lakurawa out of our country. This is Nigeria of 2024.”
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, Ribadu highlighted the conference’s alignment with the government’s goals of strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing economic management.
“Our commitment to sustainable economic reforms, trade facilitation, and creating an enabling business environment is firm and irreversible,” Ribadu said.
“We see our international partnerships as crucial catalysts in our journey towards becoming a more competitive player in global trade, particularly as we position ourselves to harness the opportunities presented by expanding regional and continental markets.”
