RismadarVoice Reporters
October 15, 2026
Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed several camps reportedly belonging to the Lakurawa armed group in Waria Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing an unspecified number of fighters and recovering weapons and five motorcycles.
The operation was carried out on Thursday by troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, as part of ongoing military efforts to combat armed groups operating in the region.
The task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement, saying troops conducted clearance operations through suspected armed-group hideouts around Alela, Bilange and Kandam villages before advancing into Waria Forest.
According to Danja, the soldiers encountered armed fighters during the operation, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
He said the troops overpowered the fighters, forcing them to abandon their positions and retreat further into the forest.
The military spokesperson added that soldiers pursued the fleeing fighters, killing several of them before destroying their camps and associated structures.
However, the military did not disclose the exact number of fighters killed or provide an independent assessment of casualties.
Danja said troops also recovered weapons and five motorcycles during the operation.
He explained that the military had maintained its presence in the area, with further clearance operations underway to restrict the movement of armed groups and prevent them from re-establishing operational bases.
The task force said the operation was intended to weaken the activities of the Lakurawa group, dismantle its hideouts and improve security in communities affected by armed violence.
It commended the troops for their response and urged residents to provide credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
The development comes amid continued military operations against armed groups across north-western Nigeria, particularly in communities affected by attacks, displacement and other security challenges.
The military statement did not indicate whether any soldiers or civilians sustained injuries during the operation.
The reported casualties and other operational details have not been independently verified.
