Nigerian troops have killed two suspected members of the Lakurawa bandit group during a military operation in Sokoto State.

The operation, carried out by the Nigerian Army, targeted hideouts used by the criminal group in parts of the state. According to military sources, the two suspects were neutralised during an encounter with troops, while others managed to escape.

Lakurawa is one of the emerging armed groups terrorising communities in the Northwest, particularly in Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Zamfara states. The group has been linked to several attacks on villages, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in recent times.

Residents in the affected areas say they have been living in fear due to the activities of these bandits. Many farmers have abandoned their farmlands, and communities have suffered repeated raids.

The military has not released the identities of the two killed suspects, but sources say they were active members of the Lakurawa group. Items such as weapons and ammunition were reportedly recovered during the operation.

The Nigerian Army stated that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the Northwest. Troops have been reinforced in the region to tackle banditry and other forms of criminality.

This latest success comes as security forces continue to intensify operations against bandit groups in Sokoto and neighbouring states. Local leaders and residents have called for more sustained military presence to completely flush out the criminals from the area.

The Army urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations in the region.