Four Nigerian soldiers are feared dead following a major attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists who invaded Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attackers, reportedly numbering more than 300 and riding on motorcycles, stormed the community on Friday morning, triggering a fierce gun battle with soldiers stationed at a military base on the outskirts of the town.
The militants reportedly entered Kebbe at about 10am and engaged the security forces before moving into parts of the town. During the attack, they allegedly targeted shops, a hospital and vehicles, creating panic among residents and forcing people to seek safety...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
A security expert in Sokoto, Bashar Altine, said four soldiers were feared killed during the exchange of fire between the terrorists and the military. However, the reported casualty figure had not been independently confirmed at the time of the report.
The Sokoto State Police Command also confirmed that an attack took place but said it was still gathering information about the incident. Police spokesman Ahmed Rufai said he could not confirm the reported deaths of the soldiers or establish the total number of casualties.
According to accounts of the incident, the attackers moved towards the centre of Kebbe after engaging the soldiers, particularly the Sabon Gari area. They reportedly broke into several shops and took away items including large quantities of mobile phones and bread.
The terrorists also reportedly attacked a military vehicle equipped with a mounted rocket propelled grenade. The vehicle was said to have sustained significant damage, with three of its tyres destroyed and its windscreen shattered during the confrontation.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the security situation in parts of Sokoto State, particularly as armed groups continue to exploit difficult terrain and border areas to carry out attacks on communities and security personnel.
For residents of Kebbe, the incident represents another disturbing reminder of the risks faced by communities in parts of northwestern Nigeria. The reported movement of a large number of armed attackers into the town also raises questions about intelligence gathering, early warning systems and the ability of security forces to prevent large scale attacks before they reach populated areas.
The reported loss of soldiers would further underline the danger faced by Nigerian troops who continue to confront armed groups across the region. Military personnel have frequently been placed on the frontline of efforts to protect communities and prevent terrorist and bandit groups from establishing stronger footholds.
However, authorities are yet to provide a full account of the operation or confirm the number of casualties on either side. The Nigerian Army had also not publicly confirmed the reported deaths of the four soldiers at the time of the report.
The incident comes amid continuing security challenges across the North West, where terrorism, banditry and kidnapping have displaced large numbers of residents and disrupted economic activities. Recent assessments have highlighted the scale of insecurity affecting communities across the region.
For now, security authorities are expected to gather further intelligence about the attack and assess the extent of the damage caused by the militants.
The reported deaths of the soldiers, if officially confirmed, would represent another painful loss for Nigeria’s security forces and highlight the increasingly dangerous environment in which troops are operating.
Residents and families affected by the attack will now be hoping for a stronger security response and improved protection for communities vulnerable to further attacks.
Until the military and police provide an official casualty figure, the reported death toll should be treated with caution. What is clear, however, is that the attack on Kebbe has once again exposed the serious security challenges confronting Sokoto State and the wider North West.
