War in Sokoto market as soldiers confront bandits, kill 2

Soldiers of the Nigerian Army have eliminated two suspected members of the Lakurawa terror group during an ambush in Sokoto State.

The operation occurred on Saturday in Mano community, Tangaza Local Government Area, where the bandits had gone to purchase food supplies before troops engaged them.

Confirming the incident, the Army Operations Officer for Tangaza, Gudu, Binji and Silame LGAs, Major Chukuma, said:“Our men 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.”

A witness to the clash described the swift action as a relief for locals.“We saw them trying to buy food when the soldiers arrived. After gunshots, two of the bandits were lying dead. This gives us some hope because we have suffered too much in their hands,” he said.

Border villages in Tangaza, Gudu and nearby Argungu in Kebbi State have endured years of attacks from the Lakurawa group, which exploits the porous frontier with Niger Republic.

Community elder Alhaji Umar Bello hailed the development.“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.