SUSPECTED LAKURAWA TERRORISTS BURN VILLAGES IN KEBBI AS ARMED BANDITS IMPOSE ₦50 MILLION LEVY ON ZAMFARA COMMUNITIES

Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have reportedly attacked rural settlements along the Niger–Kebbi border near the Republic of Benin, setting residential buildings and shops ablaze and taking residents’ belongings and food supplies. In a separate incident in Zamfara State, armed bandits allegedly imposed a ₦50 million levy on communities following attacks that left homes and vehicles damaged and forced residents to flee.

The reported incidents, which emerged on Monday, October 12, 2026, have renewed concerns over the security of rural communities in north-western Nigeria, where armed groups continue to threaten residents, destroy property and disrupt livelihoods.

According to a report by Street News Reporters, suspected members of the Lakurawa group were seen in video footage moving through an affected village while buildings burned. The armed men reportedly travelled on motorcycles, with some carrying AK-47 rifles, as they moved around the settlement amid the destruction.

The footage reportedly showed shops and residential buildings engulfed in flames, while residents’ property and food supplies were allegedly taken over by the attackers. The identities of all the individuals shown in the footage and the full circumstances surrounding the attack were not independently established in the report.

The affected settlements are located around the border region between Kebbi State and the Republic of Benin, an area where difficult terrain and porous borders present challenges for security operations. The latest reported attack has raised further concerns about the vulnerability of residents in remote communities to armed incursions.

Residents of affected areas face the risk of losing their homes, food reserves, livestock and other sources of livelihood during such attacks. The destruction of shops and houses can also disrupt local trade and make it more difficult for families to recover after fleeing to safer locations.

The reported violence in Kebbi comes amid continuing security operations against Lakurawa and other armed groups in the north-west. The Nigerian government designated Lakurawa as a terrorist organisation in 2025, citing its violent activities and alleged use of forced levies, intimidation and other methods to control communities.

In a separate development, armed bandits reportedly attacked three villages in the Dansadau district of Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State, before imposing a ₦50 million levy on the affected communities.

The attackers allegedly burned 12 vehicles during the incidents, while residents reportedly fled their homes amid fears of further violence. The demand for ₦50 million has placed an additional burden on communities already struggling with insecurity, displacement and the loss of property.

Security expert Bakatsine confirmed the reported development on Monday and questioned how the affected residents could raise such a large amount under the circumstances. He expressed concern that the demand would deepen the hardship faced by communities whose livelihoods had already been disrupted by the attacks.

The alleged levy highlights the practice of armed groups demanding money from communities under threat of violence. Such demands can leave residents facing a difficult choice between attempting to pay, risking further attacks or abandoning their homes and property.

The attacks also raise concerns about the longer-term effects of insecurity on rural economies. When residents are forced to flee, farming activities, markets, transportation and other essential services may be interrupted, reducing household income and increasing the risk of food shortages.

Kebbi and Zamfara have both faced security challenges involving armed groups, although the identities and affiliations of the perpetrators in individual incidents require careful verification. While the attackers in Kebbi were suspected to be Lakurawa members, the reported ₦50 million demand in Zamfara was attributed to armed bandits, and the two incidents should not automatically be treated as the work of the same group.

The developments come amid wider concerns about armed groups expanding their influence in remote areas, where residents may have limited access to security personnel and emergency assistance. Recent attacks on communities and security positions in Kebbi have also underscored the continuing threat posed by armed groups operating in the region.

The destruction of homes and businesses, combined with demands for large payments, places additional pressure on local authorities and security agencies to protect residents, prevent further attacks and support those displaced by violence.

Authorities will need to establish the full circumstances of the reported incidents, identify those responsible and determine the extent of the damage. Independent confirmation of the number of affected households, any casualties and the current whereabouts of displaced residents would also help clarify the humanitarian impact.

The reported attacks have once again highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities in north-western Nigeria and the urgent need for effective protection against armed violence, extortion and forced displacement.

Street News Reporters will continue to monitor developments in Kebbi and Zamfara states, including any official response from security agencies, further information about the affected communities and efforts to protect residents from additional attacks.