At least six villagers were killed in the Baidi community, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, during a violent night raid by suspected Lakurawa bandits on Wednesday, marking another bloody chapter in the region’s ongoing struggle against cross-border terrorism.
Eyewitnesses told Punch that the armed men stormed the community at nightfall, shooting indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into the bush.
“This is not the first time they have attacked our village, killed people and fled,” a resident said, linking the assault to the village’s refusal to obey directives allegedly issued by the bandits.
He recalled that the Village Head of Sanyinna had been previously killed under similar circumstances.
Communities in Tangaza, Binji, Gudu, Illela LGAs and neighbouring border towns in Kebbi State have repeatedly suffered from Lakurawa-linked attacks.
Thursday funeral prayers were held for the Baidi victims, who were buried shortly after.
100-Year-Old Chief, Son Abducted In Kogi
In a separate incident in Kabba/Bunu LGA of Kogi State, gunmen kidnapped two members of the same family, 100-year-old Chief Samuel Fagbemi and 50-year-old Chief Zacheus Sunday Fagbemi, a vigilante member.
The attackers reportedly arrived at the Ihale-Bunu community around 4:00 p.m. on over 20 motorcycles, heavily armed and moving with precision.
Police were yet to confirm the incident as of press time, and efforts to reach the state’s Police PRO, ASP Saliu Oyiza, were unsuccessful.
Residents lamented the absence of security forces, calling for immediate deployment to rescue the abductees.
Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, recorded major operational successes in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states between 21–22 January, according to a military statement.
Troops from 8 Division’s Garrison Strike Force, working with the DSS, engaged terrorists in Gundumi Village, Isa LGA, killing one and recovering six AK-47 rifles and three motorcycles.
A follow-up raid led troops to Bingi Forest, where a makeshift medical facility treating wounded fighters was destroyed.
“These missions form part of sustained efforts to decisively degrade terrorist networks and restore peace,” said Capt. David Adewusi, Media Officer for the Operation.
62 Hostages Freed, Terrorists Killed
In another operation, 62 hostages were rescued from Munhaye Forest, Zamfara State, a known hideout of bandit kingpin Kachalla Alti.
Also, in Kerani Village near the Kebbi-Sokoto border, troops ambushed Lakurawa fighters, killing two and seizing motorcycles used for long-range movement.
Separately, the Sokoto State Police Command announced a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, extortion, and financial fraud.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa confirmed multiple arrests across Wamakko, Silame, and Yabo LGAs.
He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit raided a hideout at Rugar Woro on January 18, arresting two key suspects: Abdulrazak Salihu (aka Monosa) and Habibu Sahabi (aka Habibi).
Recovered items included fake currencies (naira, dollar, CFA), a POS machine, fetish items, and charms.
“These items point to the gang’s involvement in advanced financial fraud and psychological intimidation,” the CP stated.
Three suspects are still on the run.
Musa also confirmed fresh arrests linked to levy collection and extortion in Silame and Yabo, and issued a warning, “To those still at large, I advise you to surrender or face the full consequences of the law. If you see something, say something, and the police will definitely do something.”
He added that the intelligence-led strategy adopted since late 2025 is yielding results, especially in remote areas previously overwhelmed by banditry.