SUSPECTED LAKURAWA TERRORISTS FLEE TANGAZA LGA AFTER US AIRSTRIKES IN SOKOTO STATE

Suspected members of the extremist armed group commonly referred to as Lakurawa were reportedly seen fleeing parts of Tangaza Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto State, Nigeria, after coordinated US airstrikes targeted militant hideouts in the region, according to local government officials and community sources.
The strikes, believed to have occurred in the late hours of December 25 leading into December 26, 2025, reportedly involved military drones and precision air operations, aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of Islamist militants with suspected links to Islamic State-affiliated networks operating in Northwest Nigeria.
What Local Officials and Residents Reported
Community leaders confirmed unusual aircraft activity and loud explosions in remote parts of Tangaza and nearby areas.
Some residents reported sighting armed men moving rapidly out of known forest and settlement hideouts shortly after the blasts.
Local authorities stated that the militants abandoned their positions and fled toward border-linked routes, though pursuit operations are still ongoing.
Officials noted that the strikes were intelligence-driven, emphasizing cooperation between Nigeria and international security allies in counter-terrorism efforts.
Military and Security Context
Although the US has not issued a public operational breakdown, regional security analysts believe the air operations were part of broader multinational efforts to disrupt terror cells that have gained increasing attention due to:
Cross-border mobility
Attacks on rural communities
Emerging terror footprints in Sokoto’s northern axis
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) previously confirmed that any foreign-supported strikes on terror elements on Nigerian soil would require intelligence sharing and sovereign approval, reinforcing that the country remains the primary driver of security operations within its borders.
Current Status
No official casualty figures from the Lakurawa side have been released.
Nigerian security forces are monitoring escape routes and tightening surveillance around Tangaza, Tambuwal, and the Niger border corridor.
Residents have been urged to report suspicious movement and avoid unverified claims circulating online.
The investigation is still active, and updates will be provided as authorities confirm more details.
Why This Matters
This development signals a notable shift in:
Counter-terrorism intensity in Northwest Nigeria
The growing role of drone surveillance and precision air power
Security collaboration that prioritizes actionable intelligence over conventional ground warfare alone.

Photo Credit: ROP News World