Kehinde Fajobi
The Senate has sounded the alarm over the infiltration of a violent terrorist group known as Lakurawa, originating from Mali and Burkina Faso.
The group has reportedly invaded communities in Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger States, raising concerns about national security.
The Upper Chamber, during its plenary, urged the Nigerian military to strengthen early warning mechanisms and maintain vigilance in the affected areas.
The lawmakers also directed the military to collaborate with local communities and security agencies to counter the incursions.
Additionally, the Senate called on the Federal Government to dispatch an assessment team to evaluate damages and determine the relief needs of affected families.
The Senate’s resolutions followed a motion titled “Urgent need for the Federal Government to take stringent measures to stop the infiltration of Lakurawa terrorists,” sponsored by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North) and co-sponsored by Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) and Garba Musa Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).
Presenting the motion, Senator Abdullahi revealed, “A group of terrorists from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, known as Lakurawa, has infiltrated the country through the Nigeria-Niger border at Illela, Tangaza, and Silame Local Government Areas of Sokoto and is now attacking communities in Augie and Arewa LGAs in Kebbi State.”
He added, “This violent gang raided communities before a large-scale invasion of Mera village in Augie Local Government on November 8, 2024, killing more than 20 people and fleeing with livestock worth hundreds of millions of naira.”
The motion also highlighted the quick intervention of the Kebbi State Government, which provided relief materials to victims and supported families of the deceased.
Senator Abdullahi commended the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces for deploying a well-armed military squad to dislodge the terrorists and recover stolen livestock.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), described the invasion as a serious security challenge.
“These foreigners have invaded the country,” he said, calling for immediate action.
Former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South), recounted a similar incursion in 2018 during his tenure as governor.
He urged decisive action, noting, “We need to nip the situation in the bud. They have international connections and are heavily armed with dangerous weapons. The federal government should take this matter very seriously.”
Senator Aliero also raised concerns, stating, “These terrorists are well-armed with highly sophisticated weapons. This is a very serious matter of national security. They control the whole of Northern Mali and are now attacking Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, and others. The time to act is now.”
The Senate observed a minute of silence to honour the victims and resolved to revisit past resolutions on terrorism, sending recommendations to the Presidency for immediate implementation.