NSA Ribadu Issues Stern Warning to Lakurawa Terror Group: No One Dares Tinubu and Wins
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, issued a strong warning yesterday, asserting that no one dares to challenge President Bola Tinubu without facing severe consequences. Ribadu specifically cautioned the newly emerging terrorist group, Lakurawa, not to make the fatal error of attempting to invade parts of Nigeria’s northwest region.
This statement came on the same day that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, deployed a contingent of soldiers to the troubled Augie Local Government Area in Kebbi State, where the terror group was responsible for the brutal killings of at least 17 people in Mera village.
Speaking at the Comptroller-General of Customs conference in Abuja, Mallam Ribadu vowed that the Federal Government would soon eradicate Lakurawa, highlighting that challenging President Tinubu would not end well for anyone. He emphasized that the terrorist group had made a grave mistake by operating in Nigeria at this point in time, noting that the country had drastically changed under the leadership of Tinubu in 2024.
“The so-called Lakurawa, or whatever they call themselves, are making a big mistake,” Ribadu declared. “This is Nigeria in 2024, and we will finish them. No one dares President Tinubu and wins. Those who challenge him are losing, and we are taking action.”
Ribadu also highlighted the significant progress Nigeria had made under the Tinubu administration, citing the decreased activity of terrorist groups across the country. “There is silence in regions once dominated by groups like Boko Haram. Many of their fighters have fled to neighboring countries like Niger, and numerous others are surrendering,” Ribadu continued. “In the Niger Delta, oil production has risen to 1.8 million barrels per day—a testament to the success of the President’s policies.”
Ribadu stressed that security forces in Nigeria were more unified than ever, with military, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies working together seamlessly. “For the first time, we are seeing coordination across all sectors of security—armed forces, intelligence agencies, civil police, and more,” he said. “This unity is delivering tangible results, and the people of Nigeria are feeling the impact. There is less fear, fewer bandits, and fewer terror attacks.”
The NSA further warned Lakurawa that their efforts would be futile. “They have come at the wrong time. This is a time when we are determined to rid Nigeria of such threats. We will kick them out of this country,” Ribadu stated firmly.
Regarding the broader state of security in Nigeria, Ribadu pointed out that regions that were once plagued by violence, such as the South-East and the Niger Delta, were now enjoying relative peace. The country’s oil production had increased significantly as a result, and the government was actively working to restore stability and prosperity. Ribadu also emphasized that Nigeria’s efforts to combat Boko Haram had been successful, with many of the terror group’s members fleeing to neighboring countries, including Chad, where military operations against them were intensifying.
Addressing the economic landscape, Ribadu highlighted key reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration. “The Central Bank of Nigeria is now transparent. No one is making money through foreign exchange transactions like in previous years. This is a major victory for the country. The naira will stabilize,” he assured, adding that these changes were already delivering results.
Ribadu also underscored Nigeria’s growing international standing under President Tinubu. “The world is now looking to President Tinubu,” he said. “Countries are eager to do business with us. We are back in the BRICS group, and global leaders are seeking closer ties with Nigeria.”
He congratulated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for exceeding the agency’s revenue target, which had surpassed N5 trillion. “This is another achievement under the leadership of President Tinubu,” Ribadu noted, emphasizing that such successes were part of the broader vision to restore Nigeria to its rightful place in the world.
Ribadu concluded by paying tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taofeek Lagbaja, describing him as a loyal and dedicated officer whose contributions to the nation would not be forgotten.
Meanwhile, General Musa’s deployment of troops to Kebbi State demonstrated the government’s commitment to confronting terrorism head-on. The troops, equipped with armoured vehicles and heavy weaponry, swiftly intervened after a distress call from Kebbi State’s governor, Dr. Nasir Idris. The intervention was aimed at stopping the ongoing violence perpetrated by Lakurawa, whose members have been wreaking havoc in the region. The soldiers successfully rescued cattle that had been rustled by the group, providing a much-needed respite for the affected local communities.
The deployment was in response to a plea from the state government for assistance in managing the growing threat posed by armed groups in rural areas. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and is working closely with the federal security forces to address terrorism wherever it arises.
