Residents of north-western Nigeria live in constant fear of Lakurawa, an armed militant group operating near the Niger-Nigeria border. The group has established camps in Tangaza, Sokoto State, and is reportedly affiliated with Islamic State (IS) groups in the Sahel, though IS has not publicly claimed the group.

Impact of US and Nigerian Strikes

On Christmas Day, US missiles targeted Lakurawa camps roughly 10 km from Nukuru village, a remote hamlet of around 40 mud-walled houses. Buildings were damaged, with villagers describing the ferocity of the explosions: “The doors and roof were shaking, old roofs were torn,” said a 70-year-old resident.

Despite the strikes, locals fear the militants could regroup quickly, as Lakurawa fighters use motorbikes to navigate the rugged terrain and evade authorities.

Life Under Lakurawa

The militants, identifiable by camouflage uniforms and colorful turbans, have enforced strict rules in the region. Residents pay taxes to the group, and failure to comply can result in attacks or theft of livestock. Lakurawa also bans activities they consider against Islamic Sharia law, including playing music, and punish offenders with flogging.

Some fighters have married into local communities and recruited young people for intelligence and logistical support. Villagers report that while Lakurawa initially presented themselves as a religious protective force, their heavy-handed rule has spread fear rather than security.

Background and Recent Developments

The area around Sokoto and Kebbi states has long faced security challenges, including jihadist attacks, banditry, and kidnappings. Lakurawa’s arrival pushed local bandit groups to relocate, temporarily improving security, but their harsh enforcement soon instilled fear among residents.

Last year, Nigeria’s military launched operations against Lakurawa, resulting in civilian casualties. Following the attacks, the Nigerian government officially designated Lakurawa a terrorist organization, giving security forces broad powers to act against them.

US President Donald Trump cited the group’s attacks on civilians as the reason for the Christmas Day strikes, describing Lakurawa as “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” Nigerian authorities have emphasized that the operation was joint and not religion-specific, as most villagers affected are Muslims.

Life for Villagers Today

For residents of Nukuru and surrounding areas, daily life is still defined by fear. The strikes may have disrupted Lakurawa temporarily, but locals remain anxious about the militants’ return. Many hope that future operations by Nigeria and the US will finally free them from the group’s oppressive control.