In January, Nigeria officially designated Lakurawa as a terrorist organisation. Its deadly attacks in the country’s northwestern region first grabbed public attention in 2024, and between November 2024 and September 2025, nearly 100 people – mostly community members – were killed.
Lakurawa was the target of the United States’ (US) Christmas Day 2025 air strikes. While official outcome assessments remain unavailable, sources with direct access to the group say at least 136 fighters died, with dozens more injured and about 200 missing.
But sporadic airstrikes alone are insufficient. Degrading the group requires sustained action that combines strikes with operations by ground forces that can hold territory. Lakurawa fighters must also be prevented from regrouping and seeking sanctuary along Nigeria’s borders with Niger and Benin. Joint local prevention and suppression activities are needed by all countries affected.
Lakurawa isn’t just another jihadist group.
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