At least 34 people were killed when suspected Lakurawa militants carried out coordinated attacks on multiple villages in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, northwest Nigeria, on 19 February 2026, according to security reports.
Gunmen stormed rural communities including Mamunu, Awashaka and Masama, opening fire on residents in what local officials described as a highly organised assault. Survivors said attackers moved between villages, targeting civilians and forcing many residents to flee their homes.
Authorities confirmed the death toll could rise as rescue operations continued and additional casualties were identified. Security forces were deployed to the affected areas to restore order and track down those responsible.
The Lakurawa group, a relatively new armed faction operating in the region, has been linked to extremist networks and cross-border insurgent activity in northwest Nigeria. The attack highlights ongoing security challenges facing communities in the region, where armed groups have increasingly targeted rural settlements. Officials condemned the violence and pledged intensified operations to prevent further attacks.
