Living in Fear of Lakurawa: The Militant Group Targeted by US Strikes in Nigeria

On Christmas Day, buildings in Nukuru village suffered significant damage as missiles struck approximately 10 kilometers away, igniting fear across the region. For years, residents of north-western Nigeria’s arid savannah plains and highlands have lived under the shadow of militant threats, a fear now intensified by recent US airstrikes targeting Islamist militants in the area.

The militants, heavily armed and recognizable by their camouflage attire and bright turbans, have established camps in Tangaza, a remote part of Sokoto State near Nigeria’s border with Niger. Known as Lakurawa, this group traces its origins to the Sahel regions north of Nigeria, with many believed to come from Niger and Mali. The local population, largely composed of moderate Muslims, lives in constant fear of these fighters.

Authorities in both the US and Nigeria have identified Lakurawa as being affiliated with Islamic State (IS) groups operating in the Sahel. However, unlike other groups supported by IS, there has been no public acknowledgment or claim of connection between IS and Lakurawa.

During a recent visit by the BBC to Nukuru—one of several remote villages in Tangaza, located about 10 kilometers from the missile strikes—locals were reluctant to discuss the militants. Many feared retaliation, speaking only after assurances of anonymity. The interviews revealed the depth of the terror these communities endure daily.

Our reporting team traveled into this high-risk area, approximately 12 kilometers from the Niger border, under police escort and with additional security personnel. Local authorities explained that they typically avoid venturing into Tangaza, citing inadequate firepower to safely confront the militants if attacked. Due to ongoing threats, our team could not access the exact missile strike sites and was advised to limit time in the area to prevent militants from planting landmines along our exit routes.

A local farmer near Nukuru recounted that, shortly after the airstrikes on Thursday night, militants fleeing from the attacks temporarily converged on his community. Residents continue to face uncertainty as the militant threat remains persistent and security measures remain limited.

The situation in Tangaza highlights the broader challenge of combating militant groups in remote areas of Nigeria while protecting civilians caught in the crossfire. The recent US strikes underscore international concern about the spread of extremist networks in West Africa, particularly those operating along the Sahel corridor.