US Strike in Nigeria Hit ‘Lakurawa,’ Militants From Sahel Active in Sokoto Since 2017.
A new report has confirmed the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is operating a logistics hub in Nigeria’s northwestern Sokoto State. This finding comes just days after United States military aircraft bombed positions in the same area, an operation that has some observers asking about the precise target and the group’s reach within Nigeria.
The study indicates that a faction known locally as “Lakurawa” — a Hausa term for militants from nearby Sahel countries — has been active in communities along the Nigerien border in Sokoto since 2017. This group is said to work with the Islamic State – Sahel Province (ISSP) and maintains ties to the larger ISWAP network, best known for its operations in Nigeria’s northeast and around Lake Chad.
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The revelation about Sokoto adds context to a joint security operation between the Nigerian government and the United States on December 25th. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) stated the airstrikes targeted militants linked to ISIS. Officials identified the specific groups as ISSP and Lakurawa.
Early reports suggest the Christmas Day bombing killed a number of terrorists who had reportedly gathered from Mali, Chad, and other neighbouring countries. Security analysts believe the group was planning attacks on Nigerian soil, potentially against Christian communities celebrating the holiday. For years, Christmas has seen violent attacks by extremist groups in parts of the country.
The immediate effect of the airstrikes appears to have disrupted plans for any such assault. This year passed without a major Christmas Day attack, a welcome relief for many citizens. There are also indications that the bombing run caused remaining fighters to scatter from the area, though concerns remain they will regroup elsewhere.
However, the location of the strikes has prompted discussion. ISWAP’s main area of activity is hundreds of kilometers away in the northeast. The fact that the U.S. conducted a major operation in Sokoto, and that a study now points to an ISWAP logistics hub there, suggests a more complicated picture of the terrorist network’s presence in Nigeria.
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It points to possible expansion, deeper collaboration between different factions, or the use of northwestern routes for moving supplies and fighters. The situation shows the adaptive and fluid nature of the security challenge in the region.
While the successful prevention of a holiday attack is being viewed as a positive outcome, the confirmation of ISWAP-linked activities in Sokoto raises important questions for ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and adaptable strategies across multiple regions in Nigeria’s north.
US Strike in Nigeria Hit ‘Lakurawa,’ Militants From Sahel Active in Sokoto Since 2017.
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