Former DSS Operative Warns: "Nigeria Must Prepare for War Against Emerging Terror Threat"
A former Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Seyi Adetayo, has issued a stern warning about the emergence of a new terror group, Lakurawa, calling for urgent action to counter its growing influence. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Adetayo emphasized that Nigerians must recognize the country's escalating security crisis, highlighting the need for a comprehensive national response.
Lakurawa: A New and Rising Threat
Adetayo likened Lakurawa to other established terror organizations like ISWAP and Boko Haram, groups that have destabilized large parts of Nigeria’s northeast. He underscored that the emergence of Lakurawa, with reported operations in the northwestern states of Kebbi and Sokoto, poses a significant threat. “Lakurawa will become another name that dominates our discourse on terror until Nigeria declares itself at war,” Adetayo asserted, calling for enhanced military and intelligence measures.
Roots and Spread of Lakurawa’s Influence
The Director of Defense Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, had previously confirmed in November that Lakurawa operatives are active in Sokoto and Kebbi. According to Buba, this group is reportedly linked to terror factions from the Sahel, particularly from Mali and Niger, whose militants have migrated into Nigeria amid regional instability.
Security experts suggest that the group’s foothold in these northwestern states is partly due to initial support from local communities. “By accepting the group instead of promptly reporting them, some localities have unknowingly contributed to the spread of Lakurawa’s influence,” one expert observed. This tolerance has allowed the group’s operations to grow, raising serious security concerns.
Calls for Expanded Military Support
Adetayo strongly advocated for bolstering Nigeria’s military resources, calling for “massive recruitment into the army” to address the increasing security demands. He warned that without sufficient military reinforcements, there is a risk of further youth recruitment into terror networks, escalating the dangers for all Nigerians. “If left unchecked, Nigeria may become a country where safe movement is a luxury,” he cautioned.
Differing Perspectives: Is War the Right Response?
Retired military strategist Maj. Gen. Pat Akem offered a contrasting view, urging calm and assuring the public that proactive measures are in place. Akem noted that President Bola Tinubu has already directed the armed forces to respond decisively against these threats, arguing that an official declaration of war would be premature and counterproductive. “Declaring war without adequate resources could backfire,” Akem warned.
He also stressed the importance of preserving the military’s reputation, cautioning that the armed forces’ engagement in local policing and anti-banditry operations could compromise their effectiveness in broader defense efforts.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Security Framework
Both Adetayo and Akem agreed that a strengthened military is critical for countering the Lakurawa threat. However, they emphasized the need for a balanced approach that combines military action with local intelligence collaboration and community engagement.
The situation underscores Nigeria’s urgent need for strategic and robust responses to evolving threats, as security experts continue to call for comprehensive measures to protect the nation’s stability
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