The Traffic

Terrorist Invasion: Mali and Burkina Faso Militants Now Threaten Northwest Nigeria, Senate Warns

By Achimi Muktar

The Nigerian Senate has sounded the alarm over a new wave of terrorist infiltration into the country's northwest and north-central regions, revealing that militants from Mali and Burkina Faso operating under the alias "Lakurawa" have entrenched themselves in states like Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger. This development, the Senate warned, adds an international dimension to Nigeria's already precarious security situation.

Raising the concern during a plenary session on Wednesday, lawmakers urged the military to establish early warning mechanisms, bolster presence in affected areas, and collaborate closely with local communities to prevent further incursions. The Senate further called on the federal government to deploy assessment teams to evaluate the destruction and provide immediate relief to victims.

Rising Threat from Lakurawa Terrorists

Former Senate Leader Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North), who sponsored the motion alongside Senators Adamu Aliero and Garba Musa Maidoki, painted a grim picture of the terrorist activities. “The group has infiltrated Nigeria through the Niger border, attacking communities in Sokoto and Kebbi States,” he said.

He detailed a recent large-scale invasion of Mera village in Kebbi’s Augie Local Government Area, where over 20 people were killed, livestock worth hundreds of millions of naira were stolen, and homes were razed. The senator warned, “If timely and decisive measures are not taken, these terrorists could expand their operations to other parts of the country.”

Senate Urges Swift Action

The Upper Chamber praised the military for its initial response but stressed the need for sustained efforts to neutralize the threat. Senator Abdullahi emphasized that failing to act decisively could have far-reaching implications for national security.

Senator Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South) also highlighted the gravity of the situation, recalling a similar terrorist incursion in 2018 when he was governor of Sokoto State. “These groups have international connections and are armed with sophisticated weapons. The federal government must treat this with utmost urgency,” he said.

Borno Ambush: Five Soldiers Killed, 30 Terrorists Neutralized

In a separate but related development, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the killing of five soldiers in an ambush by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State. However, military forces retaliated, neutralizing 30 terrorists during the operation.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that the ambush led to the destruction of equipment, including gun trucks and an excavator. He assured that reinforcements and air support were deployed, ensuring the attackers suffered significant losses.

Senate's Call for Policy Implementation

Senator Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) called on the federal government to revisit previous resolutions on combating terrorism. “The recommendations we made during the 8th and 9th Senates remain relevant. Their implementation could help reduce insurgency and banditry to the barest minimum,” he said.

A Growing Concern

The recent Senate resolutions come amidst mounting fears over Nigeria’s vulnerability to international terrorist organizations. The incursion by Lakurawa not only threatens regional stability but also highlights the need for a unified and robust response to safeguard communities across the nation.

As the Senate pushes for immediate action, the question remains whether the federal government and security agencies can rise to the occasion and stem this growing tide of terror before it spirals further out of control.