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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Lakurawa militants invade Sokoto community, four soldiers feared killed

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Over 300 suspected Lakurawa militants invaded Kebbe town in Sokoto State, Nigeria, engaging soldiers in a gun battle and attacking businesses and a hospital.
  • Reports indicate four soldiers were allegedly killed during the exchange of fire, though casualty figures remain unconfirmed by authorities.
  • The militants reportedly looted shops, damaged a military vehicle, and stole mobile phones from hospital patients before withdrawing from the town.

Kebbe town in Nigeria's Sokoto State was invaded by more than 300 suspected Lakurawa militants on Friday, leading to a violent confrontation with soldiers and widespread disruption. The heavily armed militants reportedly arrived around 10 a.m., initiating a gun battle with soldiers stationed at a nearby military base. Security expert Bashar Altine reported that four soldiers were allegedly killed in the firefight, although this casualty figure could not be independently confirmed at the time of reporting.

four soldiers were allegedly killed during the exchange of fire.

— Bashar AltineA security expert in Sokoto reports on the alleged casualties among soldiers during the militant invasion.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident, but a spokesperson stated that the command was still gathering information and could not yet confirm any casualties, including the reported deaths of soldiers. Efforts to get confirmation from the Nigerian Army's 8 Division spokesperson were also unsuccessful.

Following the engagement with troops, the militants reportedly moved into the town center, specifically the Sabon Gari area. There, they allegedly broke into shops, stealing large quantities of mobile phones and bread. The attackers also reportedly damaged a military vehicle with an RPG, shattering its windscreen and puncturing three tires. Additionally, they are accused of smashing windows of vehicles at the General Hospital, Kebbe, including those belonging to the Divisional Police Officer and an ambulance, and seizing patients' mobile phones.

the command was still gathering information.

— DSP Ahmed RufaiThe spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command stated the police were still collecting details about the incident.

Altine further alleged that the militants took four motorcycles belonging to residents as they began to withdraw from Kebbe in the evening, heading west towards communities near the police station. Reports from villages west of Kebbe indicate the militants entered Ungushi town. Despite the reported exchange of fire, there was no confirmation of any militant casualties. The attack has intensified concerns over the ongoing security challenges in the region.

we have not seen the body of even one Lakurawa fighter that the soldiers succeeded in killing.

— Bashar AltineA security expert noted the lack of confirmed militant casualties following the clash.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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