At least 12 people, including a police officer, were killed and several others injured after suspected Lakurawa militants launched a deadly attack on communities in Nigeria's northwestern Kebbi State, local authorities and security officials said.

According to reports in the national media, members of the Lakurawa group attacked communities in the Besse-Shanga axis of Kebbi State, targeting several villages and leaving a trail of destruction.

The attack claimed the lives of 12 people, including a police inspector, while many others sustained injuries.

Armed assailants also abducted an unspecified number of residents, set numerous houses ablaze and looted food supplies belonging to local communities before fleeing the area.

Security operation launched

Following the attack, security forces deployed additional personnel to the affected communities and launched operations to pursue the attackers and restore security.

Local authorities said efforts were continuing to secure the area, rescue abducted victims and prevent further attacks, while residents were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

Communities face persistent insecurity

Nigeria has struggled for years with recurring attacks by armed groups operating across several parts of the country, particularly in its northwestern and north-central regions.

The Lakurawa group has been blamed for a series of deadly raids involving killings, kidnappings and the destruction of property in border communities.

The Nigerian government officially designated Lakurawa as a terrorist organization in January 2025, expanding military and security operations against the group as violence continued to spread across affected areas.

The latest attack has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Kebbi State and the continuing threat posed by armed groups despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.(ILKHA)