New terror group operating in Sokoto and Kebbi States

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for urgent action from the federal government to neutralize a new terror group operating in Sokoto and Kebbi States in northwestern Nigeria. In a statement issued on November 10, 2024, the ACF expressed grave concern over the growing menace of this group, which has reportedly been carrying out deadly attacks on civilians and security forces in the region. The group, whose identity remains largely unknown, has caused widespread fear and insecurity, raising alarms about the increasing spread of terrorism across the northern part of the country.

The ACF, a prominent socio-political organization that represents the interests of the northern region, described the recent activities of the terror group as disturbing and dangerous for both the local population and the overall stability of the country. According to the forum, the new terror group, which emerged in recent months, has already been involved in several brutal attacks, including ambushes, kidnappings, and clashes with security operatives.

The group’s attacks are said to be part of a broader trend of rising insecurity in the northwest, where armed banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and violent extremism have been prevalent for years. While the region has long been plagued by the activities of bandits, the emergence of this new terror group has raised fears that it could be part of a larger, more organized network with links to international terrorist organizations.

The ACF has urged the federal government to take immediate and decisive action to curb the group’s activities, emphasizing the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, better coordination between security agencies, and more robust military operations in affected areas. The forum stressed that the safety of innocent civilians, including farmers, traders, and other residents, must be prioritized, as they continue to bear the brunt of the terror group’s rampage.

In its statement, the ACF called on the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies to increase their presence in Sokoto, Kebbi, and other parts of the northwest where the group has been most active. The forum also urged the government to provide adequate support to the local communities that are directly affected by the group’s activities, including improved access to basic security, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The region has suffered extensive economic damage as a result of the ongoing violence, and many local businesses have been forced to close due to insecurity.

Additionally, the ACF expressed concerns that the new terror group could potentially destabilize the region further, especially with the approaching general elections in 2027. The forum noted that the presence of armed groups in the northwest could lead to election-related violence, hindering the free and fair conduct of elections. The ACF also called for greater vigilance in addressing the socio-economic factors that fuel terrorism, such as poverty, unemployment, and the lack of educational opportunities, which continue to be major drivers of extremism.

While the identity of the new terror group remains unclear, the ACF believes that the government should treat the threat with the seriousness it deserves. The forum also emphasized the need for cooperation between the federal government and state governments in the region to tackle the crisis. Effective collaboration between local communities, security forces, and political leaders will be crucial in dismantling the group’s operations and ensuring long-term peace in the northwest.

The ACF’s call for action comes at a time when the Nigerian military is already engaged in combating other terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram in the northeast and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in parts of the north and central regions. While progress has been made in the fight against these groups, the emergence of new terror factions in the northwest presents an additional challenge to national security.

In conclusion, the Arewa Consultative Forum is urging the federal government to act swiftly to eradicate the new terror group threatening Sokoto and Kebbi States, as well as other parts of the northwest. The forum warned that failure to address the growing insecurity in the region could have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the country, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The ACF’s call for decisive action is a reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackling terrorism, which includes both military intervention and socio-economic development initiatives.