No fewer than 13 hunters are feared dead after suspected Lakurawa terrorists ambushed a group during their seasonal hunting expedition in Hurumi Forest, Talewa ward, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The hunters, drawn from various communities in Tangaza and Gwadabawa LGAs, were reportedly attacked between 12 noon and 1pm on Thursday, despite repeated warnings from local authorities about potential threats in the region.
Sources said the hunters, who were armed with Dane guns and accompanied by their dogs, unknowingly entered the terrorists’ hideout deep in the forest.
“Three bodies have been recovered so far, while 10 remain unaccounted for. Some survivors have returned home,” a Tangaza resident, who requested anonymity, told Daily Trust.
Local reports confirmed that Kangiye lost five hunters, Chancha and Rantijadi lost two each, Gidan Kaji and Gandaba Yamma lost one each, while Gandaba Gabas recorded two casualties.
The following day, suspected Lakurawa militants launched another attack on Magonho village in Tangaza. Although initially repelled by military forces who recovered stolen livestock, the assailants returned two hours later and bombed an MTN telecommunications mast, cutting off mobile network service in the area.
A local government official, speaking under anonymity, claimed the terrorists aimed to use the hunters as bait to ambush security operatives.
“The Lakurawa intended to exploit the hunters to get to the military. Their real target was not the hunters,” he said. According to him, military deployment was withheld on the day of the incident due to prior intelligence warnings.
“We shared the intelligence with the military, and that’s why they didn’t deploy to the area on the day of the incident,” he explained. He added that the hunters, though not insurgents, “unfortunately found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
He also expressed concern that some of the hunters may have been kidnapped. “We received reports that some of them were abducted. We’re still trying to determine if they’re alive or have been killed,” he said.
The official noted a change in tactics by the Lakurawa group. “They no longer impose their laws on villagers like before. Now, they focus on looting livestock and targeting security personnel, often seizing their weapons during attacks,” he said. Reports indicate the militants have planted landmines on paths leading to their camps.
“There is hardly any community in Tangaza that they have not infiltrated, except for Masallaci and Rakah where military bases are located. But Salewa ward is entirely under their control,” he added.
The worsening insecurity has placed a financial burden on the local government. “Our local government is under immense financial strain. We have been supporting security operations to the extent that we are now indebted,” the official said.
A resident of Tangaza voiced concern over the group’s growing dominance. “They don’t behave like typical bandits who kidnap for ransom. They focus on government officials, military personnel, and cattle. They only harm civilians if they are provoked or resisted,” he said.
Confirming the incident, Ghazzali Aliyu Rakah, Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Chairman of Tangaza LGA, said a search operation is ongoing. “We have been working since Saturday, but a shortage of security personnel and patrol vehicles is hampering our efforts. We’ve mobilised officers from Raka, Tsauna, and Binji to support the operation,” he said.
He emphasized that the hunters were not engaged in any military mission. “They were aware of the dangers but chose to go ahead. This was their destiny,” Rakah said. He warned that the Lakurawa now employ explosives, adding, “Some soldiers were killed last month when their vehicle hit a landmine. That’s why our security situation is even worse than in Isa and Sabon Birni.”
Rakah also lamented the presence of informants within the communities. “In some cases, troops have threatened to abandon their posts due to this betrayal,” he said, adding that the terrorists often disguise themselves as locals to avoid detection.
He confirmed the destruction of the MTN mast and assured that both local and state governments were working to restore peace. Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, said the state government is coordinating closely with security agencies. “The governor prioritises security. He acts immediately whenever we reach out. But we need the people to support government efforts and stop shielding criminals,” Usman said.
Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed that two bodies had been recovered and buried by relatives. He said joint security operations are still underway to locate the remaining missing hunters.
Meanwhile, a separate terrorist attack last week claimed the lives of 10 hunters and Civilian Joint Task Force members in Kwapre village, Hong LGA, Adamawa State. The assault, which took place around 4pm on Saturday, April 26, left one person injured. Kwapre, which borders the notorious Sambisa Forest in Borno State, has been repeatedly targeted by Boko Haram. It has endured three attacks this year alone.
According to sources, the JTF members came from Hawul LGA in Borno, while the hunters hailed from different parts of Adamawa. They were assisting security agencies in combating insurgents when they were ambushed by terrorists wielding superior firepower.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of terrorist activities in Tangaza. In April 2025, Lakurawa militants killed two fishermen and a farmer in Sanyinna village. In March, the group raided Baidi village, killing one, injuring four—including two soldiers—and rustling livestock.
Despite the mounting attacks, the Nigerian Army remains optimistic. Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding 8 Division, said during the 2024 West African Social Activities event in January that progress is being made.
“Our troops have neutralised several bandit leaders and their foot soldiers. This has led to resumption in farming and other economic activities across the state,” Ajose said, noting that new air assets and combat tools have strengthened the military’s capacity. He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to restoring peace in the region.
