Residents of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State have confirmed that airstrikes were carried out late at night on locations believed to be hideouts of the Lakurawa armed group. The strikes reportedly took place in remote villages within the local government area, causing fear and tension among nearby communities.
According to a security source, the air attacks happened between 10 p.m. and midnight on Thursday in Warriya and Alkasim villages. The source said the locations targeted were suspected camps used by members of the Lakurawa group, which has been linked to several security incidents in the area.
“The attacks happened between 10 p.m. and midnight at Warriya and Alkasim villages,” the source said. “The areas hit are believed to be hideouts used by the Lakurawa group.”
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not confirmed whether there were casualties from the strikes. The security source said efforts were ongoing to assess the impact of the operation.
“We are yet to ascertain the full extent of the attack, including possible casualties,” the source added. “Security operatives are expected to visit the affected areas in the morning to verify what happened.”
Residents of nearby communities said they heard loud sounds from the air and heavy explosions during the night. Many people reportedly stayed indoors out of fear, while others kept vigil until morning.
A resident of Tangaza, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the sound of the explosions was frightening. “We heard loud blasts and could feel the ground shake. People were afraid and did not come out of their houses,” he said.
Another resident said the strikes caused panic, especially among women and children. “Nobody knew exactly what was happening. We just heard that planes were attacking places where armed men usually hide,” she said.
Tangaza Local Government Area is one of the parts of Sokoto State that has faced serious security challenges in recent years. Armed groups have been operating in forests and hard-to-reach areas, carrying out attacks on villages, kidnapping residents, and stealing livestock. These activities have disrupted farming, trade, and daily life for many people.
The Lakurawa group is one of several armed groups blamed for violence in parts of north-west Nigeria. Though not as widely known as some other groups, Lakurawa has been linked to attacks on rural communities, especially in border areas close to Niger Republic. Security sources say the group takes advantage of the difficult terrain and porous borders to move and operate freely.
In response to the rising insecurity in the region, Nigerian security forces have increased the use of air operations to target armed groups in forests and remote settlements. These airstrikes are often followed by ground operations aimed at flushing out survivors and dismantling camps.
In recent months, Sokoto State and other north-west states such as Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi have witnessed intensified military actions against bandits and other armed groups. The Federal Government has said these operations are part of a broader plan to restore peace and allow displaced residents to return to their homes.
While many residents welcome military action against armed groups, there are also concerns about civilian safety during airstrikes. Past operations in different parts of the country have sometimes resulted in civilian casualties, leading to calls for careful planning and accurate intelligence.
In the case of the Tangaza strikes, residents said the targeted areas were far from main villages. However, they still expressed concern about the lack of clear information immediately after the attacks.
“As at this morning, nobody has told us officially what happened or if people were hurt,” a community source said. “We hope the authorities will come and explain things to us.”
Local leaders in the area are said to be waiting for security officials to visit and give a proper briefing. Some community members also called for increased security presence to prevent possible retaliation by armed groups.
They also point to poverty, unemployment, and lack of development as factors that make it easy for armed groups to recruit young people in rural areas. Addressing these issues, they say, is key to achieving lasting peace.
As of now, the Sokoto State Government has not released an official statement on the reported airstrikes in Tangaza. Residents are hoping for reassurance and support, especially if the operation leads to increased tension or displacement.