A former Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Seyi Adetayo, has called for urgent and decisive action following the emergence of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, warning that Nigeria must accept that it is effectively at war.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Adetayo drew parallels between Lakurawa and other notorious terrorist organizations, such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various bandit factions that have wreaked havoc, particularly in the northeastern part of Nigeria. He argued that the country’s inability to effectively address this growing threat could have disastrous consequences for national security.
Adetayo emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to continue ignoring the threat posed by these groups. “Lakurawa will become yet another name we constantly hear in discussions about terror and insecurity in Nigeria unless the country officially acknowledges that we are at war. The government must implement stronger measures to bolster military and intelligence capabilities to combat this growing menace,” he asserted. He pointed out that unless Nigeria takes concrete steps to address the situation, the group will only gain more ground, and the security situation will continue to worsen.
The emergence of Lakurawa, as described by Adetayo, is alarming, not just because of the group’s radical ideology but also because of its potential to destabilize regions that have already been severely affected by the presence of other insurgents and bandit groups. According to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defense Media Operations, the Nigerian military is already facing challenges from Lakurawa in the northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi. In a statement released earlier in November, Buba confirmed that the group is linked to terrorist elements from the Sahel region, particularly from Mali and Niger, who have fled to Nigeria due to instability in their home countries. Their operations are primarily concentrated in Kebbi and Sokoto, and Buba’s statement underlined that these regions are now some of the most vulnerable to terrorism and armed attacks.
This cross-border infiltration by extremist groups has heightened security concerns, with local communities in the affected areas coming under increasing pressure. Adetayo has criticized these communities for failing to report the presence of Lakurawa militants early on, which he believes has contributed to the group’s growing influence. “There was an opportunity for the authorities to act sooner, but unfortunately, these local communities allowed the group to establish itself without raising alarm. Now, the situation is much more difficult to control,” he stated. He argued that this failure to report the militants to the relevant authorities has resulted in more widespread destabilization and has allowed the group to gain a stronger foothold.
Addressing the broader issue of Nigeria’s security challenges, Adetayo stressed the importance of strengthening the Nigerian military, particularly through large-scale recruitment initiatives. He pointed out that the current number of soldiers in the country is insufficient to deal with the increasing threat of terrorism and insurgency. “The Nigerian military needs reinforcements. The number of soldiers we have right now is not enough to handle the sheer scale of the security issues we face. The government needs to make massive investments in recruitment and training to ensure that our military is equipped to deal with these insurgents,” he urged.
Adetayo also warned that if the government fails to take action, more young Nigerians may be drawn into the ranks of terrorist organizations like Lakurawa. He emphasized that as long as the military remains under-resourced, the country’s vulnerability to these groups will only grow. “If we do not take immediate action to strengthen our military, we risk losing more of our young people to these terrorist organizations. The last thing we want is for Nigeria to become a nation where ordinary citizens cannot move around freely without the fear of being caught in the crossfire,” he cautioned.
However, not all experts agree with the call for an immediate declaration of war. Retired military strategist Maj. Gen. Pat Akem, in a separate interview, acknowledged the gravity of the Lakurawa threat but argued that there is no need for panic or an official declaration of war at this stage. He assured the public that President Bola Tinubu had already put in place proactive measures to counter the growing threat. “While the emergence of Lakurawa is indeed serious, there is no need for widespread panic. The president has already taken decisive action by ordering the armed forces to deal with these bandits firmly,” Akem said.
Akem also cautioned against rushing into a declaration of war without the necessary resources and preparations. He emphasized that a premature declaration could have unintended consequences, including overstretching the military and compromising its capacity to address other security concerns. “Declaring war without the right resources in place could be counterproductive. We need to ensure that our military is adequately equipped, and that its operations remain focused on what it does best—protecting the nation from external and internal threats,” Akem explained.
Furthermore, Akem highlighted the importance of restoring the military’s reputation and credibility, which, he suggested, may have been undermined by its involvement in domestic policing and anti-banditry operations. “The military should focus on its primary role of defending the nation, not acting as a police force. When the military is stretched thin with duties like anti-banditry operations, it dilutes its effectiveness in dealing with real threats like Lakurawa,” he stated.
While Adetayo’s position on the urgency of declaring war on terrorism remains firm, Akem’s perspective reflects a more cautious approach, advocating for a more strategic and well-resourced response. Both agree, however, that addressing the rising tide of terrorism requires immediate action, enhanced military capabilities, and a coordinated effort to safeguard the future of Nigeria. As the threat of Lakurawa and other insurgent groups continues to evolve, the country’s leaders face a critical challenge in balancing proactive security measures with the need for effective governance and stability.
