Military Destroys Lakurawa’s Base in Sokoto, Neutralizes Kingpin in Zamfara

Sokoto, Nigeria – The Nigerian military has confirmed the destruction of a logistics base belonging to the terrorist group Lakurawa, responsible for unrest in Sokoto communities.

The operation, which took place on Christmas Day, was conducted through precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force.

Addressing journalists at Defence Headquarters on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, clarified that the airstrikes targeted the group’s logistics hub, leading to secondary explosions that caused the deaths of 10 villagers.

“The airstrike hit the logistics base of the terrorists, which led to secondary explosions. These explosions caused the reported casualties,” Buba explained, emphasizing that the fatalities were not a direct result of the airstrikes.

According to Buba, the logistics base housed dangerous materials, including hand cartridges and explosives, which detonated during the operation. He added that extensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts were undertaken before the operation to minimize civilian casualties.

Ground forces later confirmed the destruction of the terrorists’ key infrastructure and the neutralization of several combatants. Survivors from the group reportedly fled the area, leveraging their familiarity with the terrain.

In another successful operation, troops of 1 Brigade under Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized a notorious terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Ma’oli, in Zamfara State. The operation occurred in Mai Sheka village, near Kunchin Kalgo town in Tsafe Local Government Area, following credible intelligence.

Alhaji Ma’oli, infamous for imposing illegal levies on residents of Unguwan Rogo, Mai Sheka, Magazawa, and surrounding areas, was killed in the operation.

Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Hadarin Daji, revealed that troops swiftly responded to intelligence about terrorists on motorcycles operating in the Bilbis axis of Tsafe LGA.

“The swift response by troops not only thwarted the terrorists’ plan to attack locals but also reinforced the commitment to securing the area from further violence,” Abdullahi stated.

The elimination of Ma’oli has reportedly brought relief and excitement to communities in the Bilbis area, which had long suffered under his oppressive activities.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region through sustained operations against terrorist elements.