Deadly US airstrikes target Lakurawa camps in Sokoto

Late-night airstrikes conducted by the United States in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Thursday reportedly struck their intended targets, according to security sources, local officials, and residents.

The strikes targeted camps of the Lakurawa group, designated as terrorists, in the mountainous areas of Tangaza.

A senior security official in Abuja described the operation as a “huge success,” noting that the delay in releasing visual proof of the strikes was deliberate, with sensitive information remaining under US control.

Another source corroborated that multiple terrorist camps were attacked, though footage has not yet been released.

President Donald Trump, in a statement on his Truth Social platform, confirmed that US forces conducted “deadly strikes” against Islamic State affiliates in Northwestern Nigeria, warning of further attacks if the militants continue targeting Christians.

He described the strikes as “powerful and precise” and said all targeted camps were decimated.

Local authorities in Tangaza confirmed that the airstrikes struck terrorist camps, including one in Tandami village.

While no fatalities have been officially reported, some injuries were noted.

Niger Republic security officials reportedly observed fleeing members of the Lakurawa group following the attacks.

Residents of Sokoto and surrounding areas reported seeing aerial activity and expressed cautious optimism, though some villagers in Tambuwal LGA complained that explosives and shrapnel landed on farmland and residential areas.

Local prayers were offered for safety in affected communities.

Security operatives, including police anti-kidnapping units and Sokoto Community Guards, are currently assessing the impact and surveying the area for casualties under the supervision of the state deputy governor, Idris Gobir.

The strikes have drawn mixed reactions. Former Senate leader Ali Ndume praised the operation and urged the federal government to extend US-supported military operations to Northeastern Nigeria to target Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds.

Residents of Yobe State welcomed the strikes but expressed concern about potential retaliatory attacks by fleeing terrorists.

Some experts have criticized the targeting of Sokoto rather than Borno, questioning the rationale behind the strikes.

Others viewed the operation as highlighting Nigeria’s reliance on foreign military support, despite the country’s own capabilities.

US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strikes near the Niger border were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, using Tomahawk missiles from a Navy vessel.

American officials described the operation as aimed at disrupting terrorist assembly and staging areas to prevent large-scale attacks.

Overall, while the full extent of casualties remains unconfirmed, the airstrikes have been seen as a strategic move against terrorist networks in Northwestern Nigeria, eliciting cautious optimism and calls for continued coordination between Nigeria and the United States.