Residents of Girkau Community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State have been thrown into fear and uncertainty following reports that suspected Lakurawa militants have infiltrated the area, sparking fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s North-West.
The alarm was raised on Monday by security analyst and conflict monitor Bakatsine, who disclosed the development in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to Bakatsine, credible intelligence suggests that the armed group has moved into Girkau, leaving residents gripped by anxiety over the possibility of an imminent attack.
Describing the situation as urgent, he called on Nigerian security agencies to immediately deploy personnel to the community to prevent what could become another deadly assault on innocent civilians.
“Credible reports indicate that Lakurawa militants have entered Girkau Community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving residents in fear. We urgently appeal to the Nigerian security agencies to deploy personnel to the area and take immediate action to protect innocent civilians,” he wrote.
Bakatsine also urged Nigerians to amplify the warning on social media in a bid to draw the attention of the relevant authorities before the situation escalates.
“Please retweet massively until this reaches the relevant authorities. Your share could help draw urgent attention to the situation and potentially save lives,” he appealed.
As of press time, neither the Sokoto State Government nor any of the nation’s security agencies had issued an official statement confirming or denying the reported presence of the militants in Girkau.
The reported incursion has renewed fears among residents of Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi State, where the Lakurawa group has been repeatedly linked to deadly attacks, cattle rustling, kidnappings and violent raids on rural communities in recent months.
Although there were no confirmed reports of casualties or destruction of property at the time of filing this report, residents were said to be living in fear, anxiously awaiting the arrival of security operatives.
The latest security scare further underscores the growing threat posed by armed groups operating across the North-West and raises fresh questions over the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to curb violent insurgency and protect vulnerable rural communities.