21 Niger Communities Flee As Lakurawa Terrorists Advance

Panic has forced residents of 21 communities in Niger State to flee their homes.

According to Donjoe Media findings, the displacement followed a security alert on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. About 150 Lakurawa terrorists were reported to be moving toward Maburya village in Mariga Local Government Area. At the same time, 21 communities in Zugurma District, Mashegu Local Government Area, were fleeing after repeated attacks by the same group.

Also read Bandits Kill Soldier, Pregnant Woman; Abduct 15 in Taraba

The people did not wait to see if the reports were true. They packed what they could carry and left. Pregnant women, elderly residents, and young children joined the long walk to safer towns. Many are now taking refuge in Warari, Gulbin Boka, and Rijau. Others are scattered in nearby villages where they have relatives.

Maburya is not new to this. On September 12, more than 100 residents were abducted during a night raid on the community. Gunmen searched houses, chased families into the forest, and took scores of people away. Vigilantes at the time described the situation as a full-blown war. Since then, the area has not had real peace.

The Lakurawa group is different from ordinary bandits. Security sources say the fighters originally came from Mali and Niger Republic. At first, some traditional leaders invited them to help protect communities against bandits. That alliance broke down. The fighters became more radical and aggressive. Now they are the threat.

They fund themselves through extortion. They force pastoralists to hand over cattle. They claim it is Zakat, a religious tax. Anyone who resists is beaten or killed. For many rural families, this has meant total loss. Their herds are gone. Their farms are abandoned. Their children cannot go to school.

The movement toward Maburya is strategic. Maburya sits in Mariga, close to Mashegu and Rijau. The borders are porous. The terrain is rough. Forests and hills give the terrorists cover. Security forces find it hard to hold the area. When troops leave, the gunmen return.

For farmers, the timing is terrible. This is harvest season. Rice, soybeans, maize, and white beans are ready in the fields. But farmers cannot go to harvest. Ibrahim Ayuba, a resident of Mariga, told reporters that for 14 to 19 days, bandits have occupied villages including Ragada, Maburya, Mazame, Kuimo, and Kura. He said three people have been killed and many injured. He also alleged sexual assaults against women.

He said the farms are in a critical state. If soybeans and rice are not harvested now, they will go to waste. That is already happening across Borgu, Mariga, Mashegu, and Rijau. Farmers are watching their produce rot while they hide in towns.

Also read Bandits Kill Soldier, Pregnant Woman; Abduct 15 in Taraba

The Niger State government says it is concerned. Emergency officials are trying to coordinate relief for the displaced. They need shelter, food, and medical supplies. The governor has been in talks with federal commanders for more troops. But residents say they have heard these promises before.

Security agencies say they have placed troops on alert. Military intelligence is tracking the movement of the Lakurawa group. Soldiers are patrolling forest perimeters around Mariga and Mashegu. The Nigerian Air Force has been asked to increase aerial surveillance. Drones can help pinpoint the terrorists before they reach Maburya.

But aerial surveillance alone will not solve it. The group moves on motorcycles. It splits into small units. It hides in forests during the day and moves at night. Ground troops need local guides who know the paths. They also need forward bases close to vulnerable villages, not far away in town.

The 21 communities in Zugurma District are now listed as high-risk. They include settlements that have been attacked before. Residents there say they are living in fear. Some fled in the middle of the night after hearing gunshots nearby. Others fled after receiving warnings from neighbouring villages.

This is not just a Niger State problem. Lakurawa operates across the North-West. It has been linked to attacks in Borgu, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The group exploits the same gaps everywhere. Weak borders, few troops, poor roads, and no electricity for communication.

For now, the displaced families are waiting. They want to go home. But they will not return until they are sure soldiers are on the ground to stay. Until then, they remain in Warari, Gulbin Boka, Rijau, and other towns, waiting for news.

For more on counter-terrorism operations in the North-West, see the https://www.airforce.mil.ng/ updates.

By Jonadab Oluikpe
Publish by Donjoe Media