The National Counter-Terrorism Centre on Thursday described the new terrorist group, Lukarawa, as insignificant, going by the estimated membership of the sect put at fewer than 150 fighters.
The centre attributed the group’s current recruitment drive to efforts aimed at increasing their numbers.
The Defence Headquarters recently confirmed the emergence of Lukarawa, operating in Nigeria’s northern region, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
According to the Director of Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, the terrorists began infiltrating the northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi from the Niger Republic and Mali, particularly following the coup in Niger.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the Centre, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, downplayed fears surrounding the group’s presence, stating that the threat was not as severe as perceived.
He assured Nigerians that, with ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, the Lukarawa group would soon be eliminated as a security concern.
He also cautioned Nigerians against spreading fears in the minds of the populace about the group.
Laka said, “The Office of National Security Adviser is on top of the issue, that I guarantee you. It’s not the issue, the way it’s being reported is not as bad as that. Their total number is not more than 150 to 200.
“However, they are looking for more people to join them, and Nigeria being resilient, that’s why the issue came up.
“If they had kept quiet within themselves, maybe things would have been out.
“But they are looking for people to recruit and we are on top of the issue.
There are things I shouldn’t say, but we are on top of the issue.”
He also doused fears the group might expand its activities beyond its current location, insisting that they lacked the numerical strength.
Laka said, “So, the issue of Lukarawa extending to Kebbi, Kaduna, how many are they? Are they that much that they can terrorise Kebbi, terrorise Sokoto? Now, they are coming all the way down to Kaduna? How?
“We’re talking about 150 people. You understand? Very soon, an incident will happen in, maybe Niger, because that’s the latest thing invoked. Everybody is just spreading it. It’s not as bad as we are looking at it.
“When the banditry was at its peak, people didn’t make noise about it. The way this Lukarawa, everybody is looking at it like a new Boko Haram coming to threaten Nigeria.”
Laka added that intelligence agencies were working tirelessly to deliver timely, actionable intelligence to prevent and counter threats the group posed.
He noted that they had also strengthened collaborations with neighbouring countries to enhance security efforts.
Laka said, “We are implementing heightened security protocols in high-risk areas and advanced technology to monitor, gather and analyse intelligence.
“You may have noticed increased joint operations between the military and other security forces that have resulted in the neutralisation and arrest of several non-state armed groups.
“Also, our intelligence agencies are working tirelessly to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent and counter these threats.
“We have also maintained close ties with our allies to ensure that we stay ahead of those who seek to harm us on the security of our borders.”
