Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has assured Nigerians that the threats posed by the ”Lakurawa” terrorist group in the North-West would soon be neutralised.

Mr Laka gave the assurance while briefing journalists on the group’s activities on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the recent wave of terrorism in Sokoto State and parts of the North-West by the Lakurawa terrorists was being tackled under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Mr Laka said much had been achieved in their collective efforts against terrorism and other crimes.

According to him, officers and men of the armed forces and other security agencies have been at the forefront of the efforts to ensure peace and security across the nation.

“Sadly, a new wave of threats by the Lakurawasa has emerged. Although they are not new, they have been around for quite some time, but it is being made as if it is something new.

“Since their emergence, the NSA, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of other security agencies have met several times to address the menace squarely.

“It may interest you to know that concrete steps based on informed decisions have been taken to completely contain the activities of these groups in Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.

“Like all terrorist groups, they aim to spread fear and undermine the efforts of governments, but I am confident that with the commitment of our armed forces, security agencies and united community, we will stand resilient and overcome them in no distant time,” he said.

The NCTC boss emphasised the need for all to stand together as people of a community, state and one indivisible country through resilience, security, military and civil cooperation.

He said the centre was focused on proactive actions for prevention, preparedness, and partnership in the government and society, which emphasise working together to achieve a common front against any threat.

Mr Laka said the federal government was implementing heightened security protocols in high-risk areas and advanced technology to monitor, gather and analyse intelligence.

“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,” he said.

Mr Laka said boosting public awareness and support was important in the fight against terrorism and other forms of organised crimes, urging the media to play a critical role.

On how the group emerged, Mr Laka explained that the Lakurawa group were providing security to some communities against the bandits, saying it was a case of “today’s solution could be tomorrow’s problem”.

He assured that the group lacked the capacity to undermine national security and pose further threats, adding that the security agencies were all out to checkmate their recruitment drive.

(NAN)