Troops of the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade conducted a coordinated offensive operation against Lakurawa terrorists in the Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the operation led to an intense firefight, during which six terrorists were neutralised.
“The troops recovered the following items from the operation, four AK-47 rifles, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 1 box of 12.7mm ammunition.
“Despite this success, the operation came at a heavy cost, as five gallant soldiers tragically lost their lives in the line of duty”
Meanwhile, in response to these events, the military calls on the public to remain vigilant and alert in their communities.
The military also urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to terrorism or security threats in the Gudu LGA and surrounding areas to security agencies.
The statement reiterated that public cooperation was essential in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace in our communities.
The Lakurawa sect, said to have infiltrated Nigeria from neighbouring Niger and Mali, has become a major concern in recent times, following killings in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Initially emerging around 2016 or 2017 in Sokoto State, the sect began as a self-defence militia invited by local leaders to combat escalating banditry.
Over time, they evolved into a radical faction, imposing strict religious laws and exerting control over local communities.
Their activities have expanded into Kebbi State, where they have been involved in violent attacks, including a ghastly operation in November 2024 in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area, resulting in multiple deaths and cattle rustling.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters identified Lakurawa as a terrorist group affiliated with extremist elements from Mali and Niger, exacerbating insecurity in the northwestern region.