Lakurawa terror group members insignificant – Counter-terrorism centre

The National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), on Thursday, described the numerical strength of the new terror group disturbing the peace in Sokoto and Kebbi states as an “insignificant” one that will soon become a thing of the past.

The centre, domiciled under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), also cautioned Nigerians against spreading fears in the minds of the populace about the group through the media.

National coordinator of the centre, Major General Adamu Laka, stated this in Abuja while briefing defence correspondents to update Nigerians on what was being done by ONSA regarding the new threat.

Laka, who specifically gave the numerical strength of the new terrorist group as ranging between 150 and 200, said the issue was not as bad as it was, insisting that the issue would soon become a past issue.

He also allayed the fears of Nigerians that the group may spread its tentacles beyond its present location.

Laka also said intelligence agencies were working tirelessly to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent and counter these threats, adding that they’ve also strengthened ties reached out to neighbouring countries.