Islamic scholar and prominent preacher, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Nigerian government to create a specialized paramilitary force to effectively address the growing threat posed by the Lakurawa terrorist group in the northern region of the country.

Speaking during a program on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Gumi emphasized that the ideology of the Lakurawa group is similar to that of other extremist organizations, pointing to their recent violent activities, particularly in Mera Community, Kebbi State.

Gumi criticized the Nigerian military’s capacity to handle the unique challenges of counter-terrorism, asserting that the current military structure is not designed to tackle insurgencies like Lakurawa. He argued that the military is more equipped to confront traditional state-to-state conflicts rather than non-state actors like terrorists or bandits. “Our military is modeled on the British Army system, designed for conventional warfare, not counter-terrorism operations. It excels in traditional battles against other nations, but when it comes to fighting bandits or terror groups, it’s not suited to the task,” Gumi explained. He suggested that a new, specialized force composed of personnel more familiar with the local terrain and dynamics of insurgency would be more effective in addressing the threat posed by the Lakurawa group.

Sheikh Gumi also raised concerns about the involvement of foreign powers in the ongoing violence, citing Nigeria’s rich mineral resources and fertile lands as potential incentives for external actors to destabilize the region. He suggested that some foreign entities may intentionally incite chaos to create a justification for intervention, after which Nigeria could be forced to seek their protection. “These foreign powers are aware of Nigeria’s wealth, and their interference can further exacerbate local conflicts, which ultimately leads to a situation where the country feels compelled to seek external protection,” he noted.

The scholar also touched on the socio-economic factors that contribute to the rise of extremism, particularly among the youth. Gumi attributed the recruitment of young people into terrorist groups like Lakurawa to widespread illiteracy and economic hardship. He called on the government to establish more educational institutions, similar to the Almajiri schools introduced by former President Goodluck Jonathan, as a means of addressing the root causes of radicalization.

Furthermore, Gumi emphasized the need for the government to secure Nigeria’s borders and reduce the economic difficulties that many Nigerians face, as these conditions make the population vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups. He warned that the ongoing insurgencies, including the Boko Haram and ISWAP conflicts, already stretch the military’s resources, and the emergence of another terrorist faction would further destabilize the country. “Nigeria is already battling several insurgent groups. Another terror group could overwhelm our already stretched military and deepen instability,” he said.

In conclusion, Sheikh Gumi urged the Nigerian government to take immediate and strategic action to address these pressing security concerns, arguing that without targeted efforts to combat terrorism and its underlying causes, the country’s military and its citizens will continue to face significant threats.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed both shock and disappointment over recent false rumors about his death that were widely circulated on social media. Speaking at the commissioning of the Old Garage-Oke Fia-LAMECO Road in Osogbo, Osun State, on Tuesday, Obasanjo condemned the rumors as completely unfounded and deeply distressing.

The event, which was held at the invitation of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, saw the former president addressing the false claims that had caused a stir across the internet. Obasanjo recounted receiving an early morning call from a close associate, urging him to check social media platforms where the death rumor was being spread.

“I was taken aback when I saw the rumour claiming that I had passed away at midnight. It was beyond my belief,” Obasanjo said, sharing his initial shock upon learning of the reports.

In his efforts to clear up the misunderstanding, the former president immediately contacted his family and close associates to reassure them that he was in good health. “I assured my family and friends not to worry. Those who wish me harm or death will not succeed,” he stated firmly.

Obasanjo, who spoke in Yoruba during his address, questioned the intentions behind such malicious rumors, expressing bewilderment at why anyone would wish him harm. “Why would someone wish for my death? Those who entertain such harmful thoughts will surely face misfortune themselves,” he remarked, conveying his disdain for those behind the unfounded allegations.

He also took the opportunity to express his concern over the growing trend of false information being spread across social media platforms. “This type of rumor is not only distressing, but it highlights the dangerous potential of technology when misused. It is completely unacceptable,” Obasanjo lamented.

The former president’s remarks shed light on the increasing challenge of dealing with misinformation in the digital age, especially as false stories can quickly gain traction and disrupt lives. Obasanjo’s calm response, however, demonstrated his resilience in the face of such baseless attacks and his commitment to confronting falsehoods.

The event itself, which focused on the development of critical infrastructure in Osun State, served as a reminder of Obasanjo’s ongoing engagement in national development, despite the distraction caused by the malicious rumors.

The federal high court in Abuja has struck out the suit seeking to restrain the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, at the end of his tenure.

NAN reports that Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, dismissed the suit after Gbenga Femi Akande, the counsel who appeared for Sanwo-Olu, moved the motion to discontinue the case.

The court struck out the case on October 31.

In October, a lawsuit instituted on behalf of Sanwo-Olu against the EFCC over an alleged plan to arrest and prosecute him after his tenure was heard in court.

Darlington Ozurumba, a lawyer, filed the suit on behalf of the Lagos governor, who will complete his eight-year tenure on May 29, 2027.

In the suit, the lawyer argued that the alleged plan to arrest Sanwo-Olu is “unconstitutional and a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty and freedom of movement as stipulated under sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of the constitution”.

The suit sought an order to restrain the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining, interrogating, or prosecuting Sanwo-Olu in connection with his tenure as the governor of Lagos state.

Reacting to the suit, the Lagos government had said Sanwo-Olu did not instruct anyone to file a case against the EFCC.

Lawal Pedro, the Lagos attorney-general, said the state will investigate “how the case came to be without the knowledge” of the governor.

Pedro said neither the governor nor his aides are under investigation by the EFCC, adding that there is no threat of arrest by the anti-graft agency.

In a counter affidavit, Ufuoma Ezire, a superintendent and litigation secretary in the legal and prosecution department of the antigraft agency, said the EFCC is not investigating the governor and has never threatened to arrest him or his staff.

The anti-graft agency described the legal action as speculative and a “mere conjecture”.

On Tuesday, Hadiza Afegbua, counsel of the EFCC, appeared in court for the case.

However, NAN reports that the lawyer was disappointed that the case was not among the 10 listed for hearing at the court.

The counsel was reported to have expressed surprise when she learnt that the suit had been struck out on October 31.

However, the enrolled order dated October 31 shows that only Akande, the counsel who represented Sanwo-Olu, attended the proceedings leading to the dismissal of the suit.