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Senate Raises Alarm Over Terrorists’ Infiltration in Northwest, Niger State

November 21, 2024

The Nigerian Senate has sounded a warning over the infiltration of terrorists from Mali and Burkina Faso, operating under the name Lakurawa, into states in the northwest and Niger State in the north-central region. The Upper Chamber described the development as having an international dimension, necessitating urgent action to prevent the spread of terror across the region.

This alarm follows similar concerns raised by the House of Representatives, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and northern traditional rulers.

Call for Action

The Senate urged the military to establish early warning systems and maintain a strong presence in the affected areas, particularly in states such as Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger. It also tasked the federal government to dispatch an assessment team to evaluate the damages caused by the terrorists and provide immediate relief to affected families.

During deliberations, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honor of the victims of a recent attack in Kebbi State, where 17 people were killed and homes set ablaze.

Terrorist Activities and Responses

The motion, sponsored by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North) and co-sponsored by Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) and Garba Musa Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South), highlighted the violent incursions of the Lakurawa group. Senator Abdullahi detailed their large-scale invasion of communities, including an attack on Mera village in Kebbi’s Augie Local Government Area on November 8, 2024, which left over 20 people dead and resulted in the theft of livestock worth hundreds of millions of naira.

While commending the military for its prompt intervention, which led to the recovery of stolen livestock and the dislodgement of the terrorists, the Senate called for more decisive and sustained measures.

Senators Demand Swift Action

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) described the situation as a “new dimension” in Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to counter the threat.

Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South) warned that the terrorists’ connections and sophisticated weaponry posed a significant national security threat. He recounted a similar invasion in 2018 during his tenure as governor, which required federal intervention.

Senator Adamu Aliero stressed that the Lakurawa terrorists are heavily armed and control large swathes of northern Mali, making their infiltration into Nigeria a matter of grave concern. He urged the Senate to revisit and enforce previous resolutions on combating terrorism.

Calls for Federal Government Intervention

The Senate demanded the implementation of past security recommendations and renewed its appeal to the presidency to prioritize counterterrorism measures.

The discussions highlight the urgency of addressing the growing threat of terrorism in the region, with senators stressing that immediate action is crucial to protect communities and prevent further destabilization.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale




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