Report: US Airstrikes Kill 155 Lakurawa Fighters In Nigeria

Report Details Deadly Impact of US Airstrikes on Lakurawa Network

High-Casualty Strikes Revealed

A new report by humanitarian-focused outlet The New Humanitarian has disclosed that United States airstrikes conducted in December 2025 killed at least 155 fighters belonging to the Lakurawa terror group in north-west Nigeria.

According to the report, an additional 200 Lakurawa militants were declared missing in the week following the operation, suggesting the strikes caused significant disruption within the group’s ranks.

Missile Strikes Across Sokoto Axis

The strikes were reportedly carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities and involved Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a US naval destroyer stationed in the Gulf of Guinea. The missiles targeted three local government areas in Sokoto State—Isa, Tangaza and Tambuwal.

While Tangaza is widely regarded as a core Lakurawa stronghold, the inclusion of Isa and Tambuwal has raised questions about the scope and intelligence framework guiding the operation.

Leadership Escape and Economic Blow

The report claimed that a key Lakurawa commander, Dando Sibu, narrowly escaped death after leaving the targeted location less than five minutes before a second missile struck. Despite his survival, the group reportedly suffered major operational losses, including the destruction of nearly half of its cattle holdings—a central source of financing.

Violent Retaliation

Despite the setback, Lakurawa fighters launched a major retaliatory attack on Birnin Yauri in neighbouring Kebbi State on 31 December. The hours-long assault reportedly left at least 21 civilians dead, with nine victims allegedly beheaded, underscoring the group’s continued capacity for violence.

Selective Targeting Raises Questions

The report noted that the US operation focused exclusively on Lakurawa, leaving other jihadist groups in the region—such as Boko Haram and the al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru—untouched, raising debate about strategic prioritisation in counterterrorism efforts.