Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the publicity secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), says the Lakurawa terrorist group operating in Sokoto and parts of Kebi states is a threat to national security.
Muhammad-Baba spoke on Monday when he appeared on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.
The ACF spokesperson claimed that the Department of State Services (DSS) was aware of the existence of the terror group.
“They are not a new group; the DSS is aware of them. We thought they had been chased out, but we later found out that it was a deal that they should either leave or be attacked,” he said.
“This is a major threat to national security… When you have a group like that coming into the country and establishing bases, putting in place security and justice administration systems, it is like they’ve taken over sovereignty.”
Speaking during the programme, Bulama Bukarti, analyst and human rights lawyer, said members of the group are serving as judges within communities under their control.
Bukarti said the group’s strongholds include Tangaza and Kudu LGAs in Sokoto and parts of Kebbi state.
Bukarti noted that the terrorists have overpowered local traditional rulers and imposed a justice system rooted in extremist beliefs.
“If you have a local problem or a dispute with your neighbour, you report to them because they’ve barred traditional rulers from intervening, and the rulers have no choice but to comply, or they face death,” Bukarti said.
“If farmers experience encroachment on their land by herders, they report to Lakurawa, who summon both sides, resolve the dispute, and order compensation where necessary.
“Similarly, if community members report stolen cattle, Lakurawa intervenes, fighting the bandits in exchange for levies on communities in Sokoto and Kebbi, especially targeting herders.
“They also enforce other rules, like raiding POS operator stores in captured villages, claiming operators charge interest.”
