Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Mosque in Kebbi, Kill Five Worshippers

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Mosque in Kebbi, Kill Five Worshippers

Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have attacked a mosque in Kebbi State, killing five worshippers and injuring three others in what security authorities described as a reprisal attack following a failed ambush on a Nigerian Army convoy.

The assailants reportedly stormed the mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area, on Wednesday evening and opened fire on worshippers during prayers, triggering panic and chaos within the congregation.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, Bashir Usman, said the attack was directly linked to an earlier military operation against the terrorist group.

According to Usman, the violence was a retaliation for a failed ambush on troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 8 Division, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

He explained that the chain of events began on February 24, when the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Bemgha Koughna, came under attack while travelling to visit frontline troops deployed in Kebbi State.

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Usman said the GOC’s convoy was ambushed near Mayama Hill, a forested and rugged area known for terrorist activity. However, the troops reportedly responded with superior firepower, successfully repelling the attackers, killing five suspected terrorists, and preventing any casualties among the soldiers.

Security sources believe the failed ambush prompted the Lakurawa fighters to launch a retaliatory assault on soft civilian targets, leading to the deadly mosque attack later in the week.

The police spokesman confirmed that five worshippers died from gunshot wounds, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were immediately evacuated to nearby medical facilities, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Following the attack, security agencies were said to have reinforced patrols in Maiyama and surrounding communities, while joint military and police units launched search-and-clear operations in nearby forests to prevent further attacks.

The attack has heightened fears among residents, particularly as it targeted worshippers during prayers, further underscoring the growing insecurity in parts of north-western Nigeria. Community leaders and residents expressed concern over the increasing boldness of armed groups and called for sustained military presence and intelligence-driven operations.

Security officials reiterated that efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain ongoing, with troops maintaining pressure on terrorist enclaves across Kebbi and neighbouring states. Authorities assured the public that those responsible for the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice.

The Kebbi State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements promptly, and cooperate with security agencies as investigations and counter-terrorism operations continue.

Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Mosque in Kebbi, Kill Five Worshippers