A recent surge in terror-related activities by the Lakurawa group in northwestern Nigeria has raised significant security concerns. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and other Northern coalitions have called on the government and local communities to adopt a unified strategy to counter this emerging threat, which poses significant risks to the region’s stability and security.

The Lakurawa terror group has reportedly established a foothold in various communities within Kebbi State, with claims of the group asserting control over traditional rulers’ roles, diminishing local leadership authority. The ACF and other security experts have highlighted how Lakurawa exploits existing vulnerabilities in these areas, from weak infrastructure to economic distress, to establish dominance. This situation has created a power vacuum in some localities, making it increasingly difficult for legitimate governance structures to operate effectively.

ACF leaders and concerned stakeholders have labeled the group as a “threat to national security,” emphasizing the need for decisive and coordinated action. They are urging both federal and state governments to increase their presence in the region and work collaboratively with local authorities to counter the group’s growing influence. Security analyst Bulama Bukarti has expressed concern over Lakurawa’s ability to gain the loyalty of locals, who might feel compelled to align with the group for safety or economic survival due to the limited presence of government support in the region.

Lakurawa’s activities highlight a pattern of terrorism evolving in Nigeria’s northwestern states, where several militant groups operate with limited interference. The group reportedly employs both fear and incentives to maintain control, often stepping into roles typically held by traditional leaders. This creates a dangerous precedent, potentially destabilizing the region further by weakening traditional authority structures and reinforcing Lakurawa’s power over local communities.

In response to this escalating threat, the ACF and other coalitions have called for urgent military interventions and increased funding for anti-terror initiatives in the north. They advocate a holistic approach, combining security responses with socio-economic investments to address the underlying issues of poverty and lack of infrastructure that make communities vulnerable to militant influence.