A December 2025 US military operation reportedly killed 155 Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto State, according to a report by The New Humanitarian. The strikes, conducted in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, allegedly involved Tomahawk missiles launched from a US Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Guinea.
The missiles targeted Isa, Tangaza, and Tambuwal districts. While Tangaza is considered a core Lakurawa stronghold, Isa is largely controlled by bandit leader Bello Turji, who is believed to have survived the attack. Tambuwal is not widely known for organised armed violence.
According to the report, two missile strikes hit a Lakurawa camp in Tangaza. The first reportedly killed about 30 fighters, while a second strike hit as survivors gathered, significantly increasing casualties. In total, 155 fighters were said to have died, including 19 who later succumbed to injuries. A key commander, Dando Sibu, reportedly escaped after leaving the area minutes before the second strike.
In the week following the operation, about 200 Lakurawa fighters were reported missing, and the group allegedly lost nearly half of its cattle, a major source of income. Despite the losses, Lakurawa carried out a major attack on Birnin Yauri in Kebbi State on 31 December, killing at least 21 civilians.
The report noted that the US strikes focused solely on Lakurawa and did not target other jihadist groups such as Boko Haram or the al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru.
