https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakurawa Lakurawa[a] is an armed group affiliated with the Islamic State Sahel Province[2][3] operating in Mali, Niger, and the Nigerian states of Kebbi and Sokoto. Their activities are concentrated in five local government areas (LGAs) of Sokoto, namely: Tangaza, Gudu, Illela, Binji, and Silame. Initially founded as a self-defence group to fight criminals in the Nigerian bandit conflict, the group eventually became increasingly radical, oppressive, and opposed to regular state agencies.[4][5][6] Lakurawa was described as a terrorist group in 2024.[6][7]
On March 11, 2025, militants from the group attacked Birnin Dede and six villages near the border with Niger, Kebbi state police spokesman Nafiu Abubakar said, to avenge the killing of their commander by security forces in the area.[14] On 1 July 2025, militants believed to be members of Lakurawa launched a raid on Kwallajiya, a village in Tangaza, Sokoto, Nigeria. Many villagers were preparing for afternoon prayers, with many victims working on their farms.[15][16][17]
On December 25, 2025, the United States conducted strikes on Sokoto State. U.S. president Donald Trump announced on social media that the strikes were targeted against "ISIS terrorist scum."[18] A local official in the Tangaza area of Sokoto state claims that some Lakurawa camps were hit, but that the death toll was unclear. [19]
On 4th February 2026, militants of the Lakurawa group attacked the villages of Woro and Nuku in Kwara State killing 162 civilians. The attack happened after the villagers denied the groups demand to implement their version of Sharia law.[20]