There are reports that the Lakyrawa terrorists are fleeing Sokoto State to neighbouring states as the airstrikes by the United States have intebsified.
This was coming as the airstrikes hit the Lakurawa terrorists’ camps in Tangaza forcing many to flee, LEADERSHIP Sunday has reported.
The airstrikes reportedly targeted a Lakurawa terrorist camp in Tandami village, Tangaza Local Government Area (LGA), bordering Illela LGA, resulting in the deaths of several terrorists, according to residents.
According to reports, authorities have alerted neighbouring states to Sokoto that Lakurawa members may have fled the area after the recent airstrikes and that they need to take necessary precautions to protect their states.
Meanwhile, more explosive devices have been discovered at a different location from where the first bomb fell in Jabo town, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following the U.S. airstrike.
Community sources stated that upon excavation, a metal object similar to the previous explosive was spotted, and it was recommended that digging be halted due to suspicions that it might be unexploded ordnance.
According to the source, “Authorities have urged the public to avoid approaching the area, refrain from inspecting or excavating anything, and leave the site entirely until security personnel with expertise in handling such matters arrive and clear the area.
“Everyone should stay away from the area until the excavation of the explosive devices is completed,” the source stated.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police have deployed a team of explosives experts to Jabo town to investigate objects resembling bombs that were discovered buried in the ground near the site of the U.S. airstrikes.
Security personnel have already cordoned off the area and are tightening security in the affected locations.
The Police Area Commander in charge of Tambuwal Local Government Area, Muhammed Augie, has warned against scavenging metal remnants from the sites of the recent airstrikes.
The warning comes after some residents were seen scavenging items from the incident site, such as scrap metal, aluminium, wires, batteries and other materials that could be sold.
The Area Commander, who was present at the scene, declined to comment on the bombing incident but urged the District Head of Jabo, Alhaji Abubakar Jabo, to caution residents against visiting the strike location or handling fragments from the explosion.
Meanwhile, the Commandant of Base 15 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit in Sokoto, Hassan Jatau, said the area had been cordoned off to prevent possible harm from unexploded materials.
He emphasised the need for public sensitisation, noting that unexploded ordnance could pose serious dangers.
Residents were seen in television footage collecting metallic pieces believed to be remnants of the device and hiding them in their homes, with plans to sell them later to scrap dealers.
The District Head of Jabo, Alhaji Aliyu Garba Jabo, said, “Despite the risks, our young ones still picked through debris without protective gear, unaware that unexploded or contaminated fragments could still pose serious danger.
“With no clear communication on the hazards associated with explosive remnants, people were treating the explosive remains as if they were something precious.
“Such practice reflects a deeper crisis rooted in poverty, lack of awareness, and the absence of immediate government intervention following the explosion,” Alhaji Garba Jabo stated.
According to the Tangaza LGA Chairman, Isa Saleh Bashir, who spoke to the BBC, the strike hit bush paths and terrorist camps in the area.
“We have not received information on the number of people killed, but they are certainly injured. Reports indicate that Niger Republic security forces on patrol said they saw Lakurawa fleeing the area,” the local government chairman said.
The airstrikes, reportedly targeting ISIS militants, have sparked panic and confusion among locals, with many questioning the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
Crush Bandits, Terrorists Hibernating In Sokoto, Army Chief Tasks Troops
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of 8 Division, Sokoto, and the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to sustain the current operational tempo and decisively eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within Sokoto and its environs.
Lt-Gen Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday, December 27, 2025, while addressing troops of 248 Reconnaissance Battalion, Illela, Sokoto State, during an operational visit to formations and units under the 8 Division Area of Responsibility.
In a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief commended troops for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience in confronting criminal elements whose activities have brought untold hardship to innocent Nigerians.
He lauded their operational successes, noting that their sustained efforts have significantly improved security within their Area of Responsibility.
“You must maintain the momentum to further annihilate and send the terrorists to their maker, who will decide what to do with them. We can no longer tolerate their excesses against the Nigerian people,” he said.
Shaibu further reassured the troops of his unwavering commitment to their welfare.
He also directed the construction of additional accommodation, medical and other essential facilities at Illela Barracks to enhance the morale, wellbeing and operational effectiveness of troops and their families.
