Kehinde Fajobi
National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu issued a stark warning to the emerging terror group Lakurawa, cautioning against challenging President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ribadu, speaking at the Comptroller-General of Customs conference in Abuja, declared, “No one dares Tinubu and wins. The new group, Lakurawa, or whatever they call themselves, have made a mistake. This is Nigeria of 2024; we will finish them.”
His statement followed a violent attack by Lakurawa in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area, where 17 people in Mera village were killed.
In response, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa mobilised a military contingent to restore order in the area, backed by armoured tanks and heavy artillery.
Highlighting recent gains under Tinubu’s leadership, Ribadu credited the president for achieving “peace in many parts of the country”.
“There is silence in many areas where terrorists once operated. Boko Haram has fled to the Niger Republic, and insurgents in the Niger Delta and South East have quieted down.”
Addressing foreign relations, Ribadu noted that the global community is increasingly eager to engage with Nigeria. “Today, the whole world is looking for President Tinubu,” he said, noting recent diplomatic interest from countries like India, Germany, and France.
He also applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for exceeding its ₦5 trillion revenue target and noted the agency’s recent crackdown on smuggled goods.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi revealed that Customs had collected over N5.079 trillion, with a duty-paid value on seized items surpassing ₦28 billion.
Ribadu closed by paying tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taofeek Lagbaja, describing him as “an incredibly good person, very loyal and committed.”