President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the government is effectively addressing the threat posed by the newly emerged terrorist group, “Lukarawas.” Speaking at the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja, Tinubu vowed to rid the country of the notorious group, stating that his administration would not tolerate their presence in Nigeria.
The group, which recently emerged in Nigeria’s northwest, has raised concerns following their infiltration, facilitated by the coup in neighboring Niger. The disruption of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger has enabled the militants to cross into Nigeria with relative ease, intensifying security concerns in the region.
“The Lukarawas will be driven out of Nigeria, and we will prove our critics wrong,” President Tinubu stated. He also reiterated that Boko Haram, another militant group, has already begun fleeing Nigeria to neighboring countries as the country’s security environment becomes increasingly hostile to their operations.
Tinubu’s remarks were delivered by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who represented the president at the conference. The statement highlights the government’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and restoring stability in the face of new threats.
Security Challenges Amid Regional Instability
The recent coup in Niger has weakened joint military efforts between the two countries, allowing terrorists from Niger and Mali to cross into Nigerian states like Sokoto and Kebbi. This has escalated local insecurity, as Nigerian forces now face the dual challenge of addressing both external militant threats and ongoing internal security concerns.
Despite the growing security challenges, President Tinubu assured that the threat posed by the “Lukarawas” was being effectively contained. The government has prioritized efforts to eliminate the group while ensuring the continued fight against Boko Haram and other militant factions.
Economic Reforms and Progress Under Tinubu’s Leadership
In addition to security concerns, President Tinubu used the occasion to reflect on his administration’s achievements since he assumed office in May 2023. He highlighted the country’s progress in increasing crude oil production in the Niger Delta, which has now reached 1.8 million barrels per day. Tinubu also noted significant reforms within the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which he said had been crucial in improving the country’s fiscal health.
“We have laid the groundwork for lasting economic stability,” Tinubu remarked, emphasizing that his government had built upon existing foundations while introducing necessary reforms to meet evolving economic challenges.
The president also commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its role in driving economic growth, particularly through enhanced revenue generation. He emphasized that these reforms are vital for funding critical national development projects.
“Nigeria is committed to expanding its role in global value chains and establishing itself as a reliable trading partner,” President Tinubu concluded, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to sustainable economic reforms, trade facilitation, and creating an enabling business environment for long-term growth.
