Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected members of the notorious Lakurawa terror group during an operation in Sokoto State.
The incident occurred on Saturday in Mano community, Tangaza Local Government Area, where the bandits had reportedly gone to buy food items before soldiers laid an ambush.
Confirming the development, Major Chukuma, Army Operations Officer for Tangaza, Gudu, Binji and Silame LGAs, said the troops intercepted the criminals at the market.
“After a brief exchange of fire, two of them were neutralised, and we recovered three rifles and five motorcycles.
The others escaped into the forest, and our troops are still pursuing them,” he stated.
Eyewitnesses said the swift response of the soldiers brought relief to locals who have long suffered attacks. “We saw them trying to buy food when the soldiers arrived.
After gunshots, two of the bandits were lying dead. This gives us hope because we have suffered too much in their hands,” a resident told Sunday PUNCH.
Border communities in Tangaza, Gudu, and Argungu in Kebbi State have endured repeated assaults from the Lakurawa group, which exploits the porous boundary with Niger Republic.
A community elder, Alhaji Umar Bello, described the operation as encouraging. “These bandits come and go as they like, killing our people and stealing our cattle.
This action by the army shows that government is listening. We pray they will continue until all of them are flushed out,” he said.
Residents, however, appealed to the military to sustain the offensive to ensure lasting peace in the region.