The Senate has raised concerns about the increasing presence of terrorists from Mali and Burkina Faso, operating under the group Lakurawa, who have invaded several states in the north-west and north-central regions of Nigeria.
These states include Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger. This warning follows similar alarms raised by the House of Representatives, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and other northern leaders and traditional rulers.
In response, the Senate has called on the military to establish early warning systems to prevent further incursions and to ensure constant vigilance in affected communities to prevent the spread of terrorist activities. The Senate also commended the military for their swift action in responding to the insurgency.
The Senate urged the military to collaborate with local communities and other security agencies, while also directing the federal government to send an assessment team to evaluate the damage caused by the terrorists and to determine the relief needs of affected families. This came after the terrorists attacked communities in Kebbi State two weeks ago, resulting in over 17 deaths and the destruction of homes.
The Senate’s resolution was based on a motion sponsored by former Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North), and co-sponsored by Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) and Garba Musa Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).
During the debate, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) described the invasion as a new and alarming development, emphasizing that the terrorists were foreign operatives. Senator Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South) also highlighted the persistent threat from the group, recalling a similar invasion in 2018 when he was governor of Sokoto State, and calling for urgent federal intervention.
In a related development, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that five soldiers were killed in a gun battle with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
However, the military managed to neutralize 30 terrorists, although several others escaped with injuries.
