At least 13 hunters are feared dead following a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Hurumi Forest, located in Talewa ward of Tangaza Local Government Area (LGA), Sokoto State.
The incident occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm on Thursday during a seasonal hunting expedition involving hunters from various communities in Tangaza and Gwadabawa LGAs. Despite repeated warnings by local authorities regarding the security threat in the area, the hunters, armed with Dane guns and accompanied by their dogs, ventured deep into the forest — inadvertently entering a terrorist enclave.
“Three bodies have been recovered so far, while 10 remain unaccounted for. Some survivors have returned home,” a Tangaza resident, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, told reporters
Communities hit hardest include Kangiye, which lost five hunters; Chancha and Rantijadi, two each; Gidan Kaji and Gandaba Yamma, one each; and Gandaba Gabas, two hunters.
Military Repels Separate Attack, MTN Mast Destroyed
In a separate development on Friday, armed Lakurawa militants attacked Magonho village in Tangaza. Military personnel repelled the assault and recovered rustled livestock. However, the terrorists returned two hours later and destroyed an MTN telecommunications mast, disrupting mobile network access in the area.
Hunters Were Used as Bait to Lure Military — Official
A local government official, who spoke under condition of anonymity, disclosed that the militants had intended to use the hunters to set a trap for the military.
“The Lakurawa intended to exploit the hunters to get to the military. Their real target was not the hunters,” the official said.
He added that intelligence shared with military authorities thwarted what could have been a devastating ambush.
“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.
The official lamented the abduction of some hunters, adding that their fate remains unknown.
“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.
He noted that the Lakurawa have shifted strategy in recent months.
“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 stated.
According to him, the militants have also fortified their hideouts with landmines.
“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.
He also revealed the financial toll on local authorities.
“Our local government is under immense financial strain. We have been supporting security operations to the extent that we are now indebted,” he said.
Another resident noted the group’s evolving tactics and targets.
“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 added.
Search for Missing Hunters Ongoing
Ghazzali Aliyu Rakah, Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Chairman of Tangaza LGA, confirmed that a joint operation involving security forces and vigilantes is underway to locate the missing hunters.
“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.
Rakah clarified that the hunters were not engaged in any counter-insurgency effort.
“They were aware of the dangers but chose to go ahead. This was their destiny,” he remarked.
He also raised concerns over the increased use of explosives by the Lakurawa.
“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,” he said.
Rakah decried the role of informants within communities.
“In some cases, troops have threatened to abandon their posts due to this betrayal,” he revealed, noting that terrorists often disguise themselves as locals, making identification difficult.
He confirmed the destruction of the MTN mast and assured residents of continued government efforts to restore order.
Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, echoed this, saying:
“The governor prioritises security. He acts immediately whenever we reach out. But we need the people to support government efforts and stop shielding criminals.”
DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, confirmed that two bodies had been recovered and buried by relatives. He added that a joint search operation remains active.
Similar Incident in Adamawa
In a related event, 10 hunters and Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) members were killed last week during an attack on Kwapre village in Hong LGA, Adamawa State. The attack, which took place around 4 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2025, also left one person injured.
Kwapre, which borders the Sambisa Forest — a known Boko Haram stronghold — has been attacked repeatedly, suffering high casualties and property losses.
Sources confirmed that the Civilian JTF personnel came from Hawul LGA in Borno State, while the hunters were drawn from various parts of Adamawa. They were supporting government efforts against insurgency when they were ambushed by terrorists with superior firepower.
Rising Insecurity in Tangaza
The latest attack adds to a string of violent incidents in Tangaza LGA. In April 2025, Lakurawa militants killed two fishermen and a farmer in Sanyinna village. The victims — Zubairu Kusugu, Aminu Ibrahim, and Salisu Dangwati — were ambushed while fishing.
In March, the group raided Baidi village, killing one person, injuring four (including two soldiers), and stealing cattle and camels. A shootout followed, with casualties on both sides.
Despite the setbacks, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, remains optimistic.
“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,” he said in January 2025 during the 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA) event at Giginya Barracks, Sokoto.
Ajose credited enhanced air assets and combat logistics as critical to recent successes and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace.
“The fight against banditry and terrorism is being progressively and steadily won,” he concluded.
