The Lakurawa terrorist group launched a reprisal attack on Birnin Dede village and six surrounding villages in Arewa Local Government Area, Kebbi State, near the Nigeria-Niger border. The attack was in retaliation for the recent killing of a Lakurawa leader, known as Maigemu, by combined security forces in Kebbi State. The assailants, arriving in large numbers on motorcycles with sophisticated weapons, invaded the communities at approximately 8:47 pm. They shot sporadically, set houses ablaze, and killed civilians. The police confirmed 11 fatalities and two critically injured victims. Local residents reported 13 deaths and eight villages burned. Only one village was spared because it was guarded by soldiers. The affected villages included Birnin Debi, Dogon Daji, Danmarke, Yar Goru, Tambo, Garin Nagoro, and Garin Rugga. Several injured victims were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, for treatment.
9 Mar 2025 · Birnin Dede (primary) and six surrounding villages: Dogon Daji, Danmarke, Yar Goru, Tambo, Garin Nagoro, Garin Rugga, Arewa, Kebbi
Deaths
11
Injured
2
Total casualties
13
Perpetrators
Lakurawa
Response
The Kebbi State Police Commissioner, CP Bello M. Sani, visited the scene and deployed additional tactical teams to the area. The state government called for the immediate deployment of troops to the region. Security forces intensified efforts to track down the attackers.
Displacement
Many residents fled to neighbouring communities for safety following the attack
Socioeconomic drivers
The attack was a direct retaliation for the killing of a Lakurawa leader, Maigemu, by combined security forces in Kebbi State days earlier
Trajectory
The Lakurawa group represents an emerging jihadist threat in North-West Nigeria, distinct from the Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency in the North-East. US and Nigerian authorities have stated the militants are affiliated with Islamic State groups in the Sahel. The group operates in remote areas of Sokoto and Kebbi states near the Niger border, imposing strict Sharia law, taxing locals, and conducting cross-border raids. This March 2025 attack demonstrated their continued capacity for large-scale reprisal attacks despite military operations against their leadership.
Cycle notes
This attack mirrors the pattern of jihadist reprisals seen in the North-East with Boko Haram and ISWAP, where the killing of a leader triggers violent retaliation against civilian communities. The Lakurawa group had previously attacked Gulma community in Argungu LGA (February 2025, killing one) and killed two immigration officers at Kangiwa border (January 2025) . The use of motorcycles for rapid mobility, night attacks, and village burnings echoes tactics used by Boko Haram and Bandits groups across northern Nigeria.
Pattern
Reprisal Attack on Civilian Communities
Related — Armed Attack
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