Troops Crush Lakurawa Enclave in Sokoto, Kill Fighters, Destroy Terrorist Camps

Nigerian troops have killed several Lakurawa fighters, destroyed their camps and recovered weapons and five motorcycles during a clearance operation in Waria Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the military has said.

The operation was conducted on Thursday, October 15, 2026, by troops of Sector 2 under the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle armed groups’ hideouts and restrict their movements across the region.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the task force’s Media Information Officer, the troops advanced through identified terrorist enclaves around Alela, Bilange and Kandam villages before moving towards Waria Forest, where they encountered the armed group.

A firefight broke out between the soldiers and the fighters. The military said the troops overwhelmed the armed group with superior firepower, forcing its members to abandon their positions and flee deeper into the forest.

The soldiers pursued the fleeing fighters, killing several of them, according to the military account. A subsequent search of the area led to the destruction of the camps and associated support structures used by the group.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of weapons and five motorcycles believed to have been used by the fighters. The military did not disclose the exact number of people killed or provide details of any casualties among its personnel.

The Theatre Command said troops had maintained a strong operational presence in the area and would continue clearance operations to deny armed groups safe havens and freedom of movement.

It added that the mission was part of broader efforts to dismantle Lakurawa strongholds, disrupt their support networks and improve security in communities across Sokoto and neighbouring areas of the North-West.

The command commended the troops for their efforts and urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

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The latest operation comes amid continuing military efforts to contain the activities of Lakurawa, an armed group that has operated in parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states and is associated in security reporting with militant networks in the Sahel.

The group attracted increased attention in late 2024 as Nigerian authorities raised concerns about its presence in the North-West. Security analysts have continued to examine its origins, affiliations and links to wider extremist networks operating across the Sahel region.

Lakurawa has remained a security concern despite repeated military operations targeting its camps and fighters. The persistence of armed groups in remote forest areas and near Nigeria’s international borders has complicated efforts to prevent them from regrouping after military offensives.

Earlier this week, troops reportedly killed a suspected Lakurawa militant in Soruro village, also in Tangaza Local Government Area, after receiving information about the presence of armed men. An AK-47 rifle, a magazine and ammunition were recovered during that operation, according to reports quoting the Sokoto State Police Command.

The latest clearance operation underscores the continuing security challenges facing communities in Sokoto State, where residents remain vulnerable to attacks, killings and other forms of violence by armed groups.

While the military says the destruction of the camps will help restrict the fighters’ movements, the longer-term impact will depend on sustained security operations, reliable intelligence and cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

The military has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as operations continue across the region.