At least 33 people were killed after armed militants carried out coordinated attacks on a district in northwestern Nigeria, police said late Thursday.
The assault targeted the Biu community in Kebbi state on Wednesday, according to a statement by police spokesperson Bashir Usman. He said the attackers crossed into the area from neighboring Sokoto state, where parts of the territory are known to be under the influence of the Lakurawa insurgent group.
Preliminary investigations indicate that armed Lakurawa militants entered the district to rustle cattle, Usman said, adding that security forces have since been deployed to restore calm and maintain order in the affected area.
The Lakurawa group operates in parts of northwestern Nigeria, particularly in communities in Sokoto state. It is known for engaging in cattle theft, village raids and kidnappings for ransom.
Northern Nigeria continues to face a multifaceted security crisis involving both Islamist militant factions and armed criminal gangs who carry out abductions for ransom.
The latest violence comes as Nigeria deepens security cooperation with the United States following earlier diplomatic tensions. Earlier this week, the Nigerian military announced the arrival of 100 U.S. troops to support training efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against armed groups.
