Nigeria: Lakurawa seeks to retake Waria Forest
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Leadership
Residents of Tangaza, in Nigeria’s Sokoto State, say Lakurawa fighters are regrouping around Waria Forest after a military operation. The Nigerian Army denies withdrawing its troops and says it still has a unit stationed there, according to Leadership.
Residents of Tangaza, in Nigeria’s Sokoto State, fear that Lakurawa fighters are attempting to reoccupy Waria Forest, two weeks after a military operation against their positions. The alert was raised on Friday by Malam Safullahi Bello, a local youth leader, quoted by Leadership.
According to him, remnants of the Sahelian jihadist group have been seen near villages bordering the forest and are seeking to regroup there. He called on the federal government and military high command to establish a permanent operational base at Waria to prevent Lakurawa from returning.
Lieutenant-Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, acting deputy director of public relations for the 8th Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, rejected the prospect of an imminent return. He told Leadership that a unit of soldiers was still stationed in the forest and had been tasked with preventing the fighters from resuming their activities.
Lakurawa had established enclaves in several local government areas of Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi State. Before the bombardments of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched on 15 October 2026, the group imposed levies, stole livestock and drove farming communities from Tangaza and Gudu. In June, 26 communities in Sabon Birni were reportedly forced to pay several million naira.
