Police Confirm Terrorist Attack in Nigeria's Sokoto State; Army Withholds Casualty Figures

Sokoto State Police have confirmed that suspected Lakurawa terrorists attacked Kebbe town on Friday, engaging security personnel in a confrontation. Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai stated that while his officers responded effectively and sustained no casualties, information received indicated potential losses within the military.

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They attacked and we were able to respond, but we don’t have any casualty from our side.

"I cannot confirm an issue that is not ours. So, I can’t speak about their casualties," Rufai told PREMIUM TIMES when asked about reports claiming four soldiers were killed. He confirmed that reinforcements were dispatched from the Sokoto command headquarters and neighboring towns to bolster security in Kebbe, and the area is now calm.

PREMIUM TIMES contacted Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, acting deputy director of Army Public Relations for the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, for confirmation. Osoba declined to confirm or deny the casualty figures, citing security protocols that restrict the disclosure of operational information. He advised that details could only be provided in person at the 8 Division Headquarters or through a formal statement.

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I cannot confirm an issue that is not ours. So, I can’t speak about their casualties.

Rufai also noted that the Kebbe area has seen increasing incursions associated with the Lakurawa group, who are known to move through parts of northern Sokoto. Investigations are ongoing, and the police are working to strengthen security measures around Kebbe town and its police division.

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Since it happened, we sent reinforcement from the command headquarters, and they are still there.