Suspected Lakurawa militants reportedly launched a large-scale attack on Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Friday, leaving four soldiers feared dead after a fierce gun battle.
According to reports, more than 300 heavily armed militants riding motorcycles stormed the community at about 10 a.m., forcing soldiers stationed at a military base on the outskirts of the town to engage them in a shootout.
A security analyst, Bashar Altine, alleged that four soldiers lost their lives during the exchange of fire. However, the casualty figure has not been officially confirmed.
After the confrontation with security personnel, the attackers reportedly moved into the Sabon Gari area of Kebbe, where they looted several shops and carted away mobile phones, bread, and other valuables.
The militants were also said to have attacked a military vehicle fitted with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, damaging three tyres and shattering the windscreen.
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The violence later spread to the General Hospital in Kebbe, where vehicles, including an ambulance and a vehicle belonging to the Divisional Police Officer, were reportedly vandalised. Mobile phones belonging to patients were also allegedly stolen.
Witnesses said the attackers left the town later in the evening and headed toward nearby communities west of Kebbe.
The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident but said authorities were still gathering information and could not verify the reported casualties.
The Nigerian Army has yet to release an official statement regarding the attack.
The incident has renewed concerns over the growing activities of Lakurawa militants in parts of Sokoto State and other northwestern communities.
AsenExpress will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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