Four soldiers have been killed after armed members of the Lakurawa sect attacked Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the town on Friday morning in a large convoy of motorcycles before engaging troops deployed around the outskirts.
Security sources said the assault began at about 10am when hundreds of gunmen entered Kebbe and opened fire on a military vehicle.
A security expert, Bashar Altine, reported on X that the assailants used AK-47 rifles to target the vehicle, damaging its tyres and windscreen.
After the initial confrontation, the attackers moved into Sabon Gari, where they reportedly looted several shops.
Mobile phones, cash and other valuables were among items allegedly taken during the raid.
The gunmen also invaded Kebbe General Hospital and vandalised parts of the facility.
An ambulance and a vehicle belonging to the Divisional Police Officer were reportedly damaged during the attack.
Patients were not spared. Sources said some gunmen entered hospital wards and forced patients to surrender their mobile phones at gunpoint.
The attackers reportedly remained in Kebbe for almost an hour before withdrawing towards communities west of the town.
They were later sighted moving towards Ungushi community with motorcycles allegedly taken from residents.
Friday’s assault has further raised concerns over the growing activities of Lakurawa across parts of Sokoto State.
The group has been linked to a series of deadly attacks, kidnappings and displacement of residents across communities in the region.
Security sources said Lakurawa has maintained a presence in Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Illela and Kebbe local government areas for several years.
The latest incident also comes days after suspected Lakurawa fighters killed a police officer and two civilians in Girkau community.
The August 3 attack also reportedly resulted in the burning of two security vehicles.
Earlier in May, seven soldiers and a civilian guide were killed in an ambush near Illela after a military vehicle reportedly broke down while troops were returning from an operation.
The attackers were said to have followed the soldiers on about 30 motorcycles, with several fighters travelling on each motorcycle.
In another clash in January, five soldiers and six suspected Lakurawa members were killed during a gun battle in Gudu Local Government Area.
Troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have also recorded encounters with the group. Military authorities previously reported the killing of two suspected Lakurawa fighters in Tangaza and the recovery of weapons.
Lakurawa has been described as an armed extremist group with links to the Islamic State Sahel Province, with reported operations spanning parts of Mali, Niger and north-western Nigeria.
Its activities have heightened insecurity in communities across Sokoto, Kebbi and neighbouring areas.
Reports indicate that hundreds of people have been killed in attacks attributed to the group over the past year, while thousands have reportedly been abducted and numerous communities deserted.
The group’s activities have also triggered population movements as residents leave vulnerable settlements for safer towns.
Sokoto Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir previously described Lakurawa as a group equipped with sophisticated weapons.
Authorities have also accused the group of attempting to impose its own religious practices on communities under its influence.
The latest attack is likely to intensify calls for stronger military operations and better protection for residents in affected areas.
However, official confirmation of the full casualty figure and the extent of damage from Friday’s assault is still awaited.