Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected members of the notorious Lakurawa terror group during an ambush in Mano community, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operation, which took place on Saturday, occurred when the armed men reportedly entered the community market to purchase food items.
Major Chukuma, the Army Operations Officer overseeing Tangaza, Gudu, Binji, and Silame LGAs, confirmed the incident and said troops acted on intelligence reports. He noted that the suspects were intercepted in the market and engaged in a brief exchange of gunfire.
“Our men intercepted the criminals at the market. After a brief exchange of fire, two of them were neutralised, and we recovered three rifles and five motorcycles. The others escaped into the forest, and our troops are still pursuing them,” Major Chukuma stated.
Eyewitnesses at the market described the incident as swift and effective. One resident, who witnessed the operation, said the presence of soldiers brought relief to the community.
“We saw them trying to buy food when the soldiers arrived. After gunshots, two of the bandits were lying dead. This gives us some hope because we have suffered too much in their hands,” the witness said.
The Lakurawa group has long terrorised communities in Tangaza, Gudu, and parts of Argungu in neighbouring Kebbi State, often exploiting the porous border with the Niger Republic to launch cross-border raids and evade capture.
A community elder, Alhaji Umar Bello, praised the military’s action, calling it a much-needed step toward restoring peace.
“These bandits come and go as they like, killing our people and stealing our cattle. This action by the army shows that government is listening. We pray they will continue until all of them are flushed out,” Bello said.
Residents have since urged the military to maintain the offensive to ensure lasting security and stability in the region.