has recorded major operational gains in Nigeria’s northwest after coordinated raids targeting the Lakurawa extremist group and armed bandit networks, rescuing dozens of hostages and killing suspected fighters, military authorities said on Wednesday.
In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Director of Public Relations for the army’s 8 Division, said the operations were conducted under the Joint Task Force North West, also known as Operation Western Front, as part of a broader campaign dubbed Operation Western Vengeance.
Raid on Lakurawa hideout along Kebbi–Sokoto border
Troops acting on what the military described as credible intelligence carried out a targeted assault on a Lakurawa hideout located between Augie Local Government Area in Kebbi State and Binji Local Government Area in Sokoto State, near Nigeria’s border with Niger.
According to the statement, the Lakurawa group, which authorities recently designated as a terrorist organization, has been attempting to establish a foothold in remote border communities.
During the operation, two Lakurawa fighters were killed, and two motorcycles used by the group for mobility were recovered. The army noted that the militants were dressed in what it described as “royal-style” attire, which it said appeared to be an attempt to project authority and control over local populations.
Hostage rescue in Zamfara forest camp
In a separate, simultaneous operation, troops raided a bandit camp in Munhaye Forest in Zamfara State, believed to be linked to bandit leader Kachalla Alti.
The raid resulted in the rescue of 62 hostages who had been held captive by armed bandits, the military said. The rescued individuals are receiving medical checks and remain under protective custody while profiling is carried out to facilitate their reunification with their families.
Intelligence-led operations and rising Lakurawa threat
The army credited the success of the operations to intelligence-sharing and cooperation with local vigilante groups and the Civilian Joint Task Force, whose local knowledge helped security forces locate hidden camps.
Security officials have identified Lakurawa as an emerging extremist threat in Nigeria’s northwest, accusing the group of imposing illegal taxation and parallel rules in rural communities. The Nigerian government designated Lakurawa a terrorist organization in late 2024, amid concerns that it could align with established bandit networks.
The army said operations would continue until extremist and bandit groups operating in the region are dismantled.
