Former DSS operative Seyi Adetayo has urged Nigerians to recognise the country as being “at war” in light of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, which is causing havoc across parts of northwestern Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Adetayo warned that Lakurawa, despite its recent appearance, shares roots with notorious groups like ISWAP, Boko Haram, and other militant factions that have long plagued the nation’s northeast.
“Lakurawa will be another name that will dominate our public space in terms of terror for a long time until we decide to declare that Nigeria is at war,” Adetayo emphasised.
He added that a formal declaration would enable the military and intelligence services to implement stronger counter-terrorism measures.
The Nigerian military has already encountered Lakurawa fighters in Sokoto and Kebbi states, according to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations, who described the group as affiliated with Sahel-based terrorists from Mali and Niger who have shifted into Nigeria’s northwest due to instability in their own regions.
Reports indicate that Lakurawa’s fighters have established operational bases in Kebbi and Sokoto states. Security experts say the local communities’ initial acceptance of the group allowed them to entrench themselves before launching attacks, a pattern seen with other insurgent factions.
To combat the threat, Adetayo recommended significant troop reinforcements. “If we do not do anything about extinguishing this fire, lots of young boys will continue to join these terror groups, and soon, Nigeria will be a country where you can’t move around anymore,” he warned.
However, retired military strategist Maj. Gen. Pat Akem offered a different perspective, cautioning against declaring war, as he believes proactive measures are already underway under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“I do not think war should be declared. The president has already given a broad mandate to the armed forces to execute the bandits,” Akem explained, stressing that adequate resources must accompany any major counter-insurgency operations.
Akem also highlighted the dangers of overburdening the military with non-combat roles, such as anti-kidnapping and banditry operations, which he said diminishes the military’s primary function.
“The armed forces should not be seen the way they are in Nigeria; they do things they aren’t supposed to do like policing work,” he added.
As Lakurawa’s presence continues to grow, Adetayo and Akem’s perspectives underscore the urgent need for a coordinated strategy to confront and neutralise the latest terror threat facing Nigeria.
