National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu warned that no one challenges President Bola Tinubu and remains unaffected, emphasizing that the government would soon eliminate the new terror group, Lakurawa.
Speaking at the Comptroller-General of Customs conference in Abuja, Ribadu criticized the group’s incursion into parts of northwest Nigeria.
“The new group, Lakurawa, or whatever they call themselves, have made a mistake. This is Nigeria of 2024, we will finish them,” Ribadu declared. “No one dares Tinubu and wins. The terrorists that were in many parts of the country, we are killing. There is silence in many parts where they were operating. Go to where Boko Haram was operating, there is silence. They have fled to the Niger Republic; many are surrendering.”
His remarks came as Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa deployed soldiers to Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area following an attack on Mera village, where 17 people were killed by Lakurawa militants. Equipped with armored vehicles, the troops engaged the attackers, securing stolen livestock and restoring order.
Ribadu highlighted Tinubu’s achievements, saying, “For the first time in our country’s history, the entire security sector leaders are working as one-armed forces, intelligence community, civil police, and others. More than ever before, we work as a team, as one. And we are beginning to see the gains. What we call Tinubu’s gains.”
He credited Tinubu’s administration with improvements in security and oil production, noting, “Today we have got to 1.8 million barrels of crude oil per day. South-East is getting to be at peace. Hundreds of bandits are killed every day, and you move everywhere in our country today free of fear, Tinubu’s gains.”
Ribadu also addressed currency policy, noting that “the Central Bank of Nigeria is clean; nobody is making one dime in Central Bank, unlike 2023, Tinubu’s gains. And the naira will be stabilized. Wait and see.”
On the international front, Ribadu pointed to Nigeria’s growing diplomatic standing, saying, “Today, the whole world is looking for President Tinubu. I have just got back from India. The Prime Minister is coming on the 15th, and the President of Germany is coming. We are back to BRICS, and the President of France is looking for him.”
At the conference, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi reported that the agency exceeded its 2024 revenue target, collecting over N5.079 trillion and seizing prohibited items valued at over N28 billion. Adeniyi expressed concerns over management exits, as 2024 has already seen a high departure rate.
Meanwhile, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris sought federal support to combat the Lakurawa group’s activities, which were destabilizing rural areas. His spokesperson, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, stated, “The governor in his oath pledged to guarantee the security of lives and property of people of Kebbi State wherever they are, hence the reason to seek the central government’s help to stem terrorism in all parts of the state.”
In closing, Ribadu remembered the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taofeek Lagbaja, describing him as “very loyal, very committed, very honest.” He assured, “We will fix this country. Tinubu is a success. It has never been a failure with him. We will change this place. It will be over soon.”
