Troops from the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade successfully launched a coordinated offensive against Lakurawa terrorists in Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto State, on Thursday, striking a significant blow against the armed group. This operation, part of the ongoing military campaign to curb insecurity in the region, resulted in the neutralization of six terrorists after a fierce firefight. The operation was part of the larger Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed at tackling various security threats in the northwestern region of Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, confirmed the success of the offensive. According to Abdullahi, the troops recovered a significant amount of weaponry during the operation, including four AK-47 rifles, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one box of 12.7mm ammunition, which had been used by the terrorists in their attacks. The military also reported that the terrorists were successfully dismantled in a series of clashes that took place over several hours.
However, despite the operation’s success, the victory came at a heavy cost. Tragically, five soldiers were killed in action during the operation, while several others sustained injuries. Lt. Col. Abdullahi extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, emphasizing that their sacrifice is a testament to the military's unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability in the affected regions. Their bravery and dedication are seen as pivotal in the ongoing efforts to secure communities from the growing threats posed by extremist groups operating in the northwestern states.
Call for Public Cooperation
In light of the success of the operation, the military also issued a call to the public for greater cooperation with security forces in the region. Lt. Col. Abdullahi urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. The military emphasized that public cooperation is essential in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace within the communities, as local intelligence plays a crucial role in the success of security operations. The statement underlined that effective collaboration between civilians and security agencies is a critical component in reducing the impact of insurgency and other criminal activities in the region.
Growing Threat of the Lakurawa Sect
The Lakurawa sect, originally formed as a self-defense militia around 2016 or 2017, has grown into a significant threat to regional security in northwestern Nigeria. Initially invited by local leaders in Sokoto State to help combat banditry, the group gradually evolved into a more radical faction, enforcing strict religious laws and exerting control over local communities. Over time, the sect’s influence has spread into neighboring Kebbi State, where it has been linked to a series of violent attacks and atrocities, including kidnappings, killings, and cattle rustling.
One of the group’s most recent violent raids occurred in November 2024, when Lakurawa terrorists attacked Mera village in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The attack resulted in several fatalities, including women and children, and the theft of large numbers of livestock. The Lakurawa group’s increasing radicalism has raised concerns about the stability of the northwestern region, as the sect continues to escalate its violent activities.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has officially classified the Lakurawa sect as a terrorist organization due to its growing links with extremist groups in the Sahel region, including those in Mali and Niger. These connections have further exacerbated the security situation in Sokoto and Kebbi states, as the sect has adopted similar methods of operation to those used by other extremist groups in the region, including the use of sophisticated weapons and military tactics. The growing presence of international terrorist organizations in the area highlights the increasingly complex and dangerous nature of the conflict in northern Nigeria.
