BREAKING: Ex-DSS Operative Warns Citizens to Prepare for War as New Terrorist Group from Niger and Mali Invade Nigeria

BREAKING: Ex-DSS Operative Warns Citizens to Prepare for War as New Terrorist Group from Niger and Mali Invade Nigeria

 

 

A former Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Seyi Adetayo, has issued a stark warning about the emergence of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, urging the Nigerian government and citizens to prepare for the possibility of war.

 

 

Adetayo’s comments came during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, where he likened the group to established terror factions like ISWAP and Boko Haram.

 

“Lakurawa will become another name dominating discussions on terror unless Nigeria acknowledges the reality of war and significantly enhances its military and intelligence efforts,” Adetayo warned.

 

A Growing Threat in Northwestern Nigeria  

 

The Lakurawa group, reportedly active in Sokoto and Kebbi states, is said to have links to Sahel-based militants from Mali and Niger. Regional instability in the Sahel has allowed these elements to infiltrate Nigeria, a trend confirmed by the Director of Defense Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, earlier this month.

 

Buba noted that Nigerian troops are actively engaging the group, but its growing influence poses serious challenges. Security analysts have criticized some local communities in Northwestern Nigeria for enabling the group’s initial establishment, either through inaction or tacit acceptance.

 

Urgent Call for Military Reinforcement  

 

Adetayo emphasized the need for urgent measures, including a substantial increase in military personnel. “The current strength of the Nigerian Armed Forces is inadequate to counter the scale of this threat. Without intervention, more young boys could be recruited by these terror groups, worsening the nation’s security crisis,” he cautioned.

 

He also stressed the importance of intelligence operations and community cooperation to curb the group’s spread, warning that delays could render large parts of Nigeria unsafe for movement and trade.

 

Government Response and Reassurance  

 

Retired military strategist Maj. Gen. Pat Akem offered a more measured response, downplaying the need for an official declaration of war. “President Bola Tinubu has already directed the armed forces to act decisively. While the emergence of Lakurawa is concerning, panic is not the solution,” he said.

 

Akem argued that while military intervention is necessary, focusing on long-term strategies such as bolstering the army’s capacity and improving its operational effectiveness is crucial. He also warned against overextending the military with policing roles, which could diminish its overall combat readiness.

 

The Road Ahead  

The rise of Lakurawa adds to Nigeria’s growing security challenges, with many observers calling for immediate and coordinated action. As the military grapples with multiple insurgencies, experts agree that enhancing recruitment, intelligence, and regional partnerships will be key to curbing the threat.

 

For now, the battle against Lakurawa underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to security that balances military might with strategic planning and community involvement.