SOKOTO, Nigeria – Armed attackers identified as Lakurawa militants killed one police officer and two civilians during a raid on the Girkau community in Sokoto State on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Okay News reports that spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the fatalities on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and stated that security operatives deployed to the area engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
Rufai confirmed the loss of the officer and the destruction of two security vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps. “It is unfortunate that we lost one of our men during the attack. We received a distress call from the community and immediately mobilised our personnel to the scene. We were able to repel the Lakurawa bandits, but during the exchange of gunfire, one of our officers paid the supreme price,” Rufai said.
“They burnt two vehicles, one belonging to the police and the other to the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps,” Rufai said. Residents stated the armed individuals opened fire on security personnel and villagers, prompting multiple people to flee the Kebbe Local Government Area.
Community sources identified the deceased police officer as Hussaini Manyu and named an elderly resident, Bala Wakili, among the civilian casualties. Sources stated a young herder was shot after refusing to surrender cattle to the attackers, while a farmer sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
An unnamed community leader stated the attackers took an unspecified number of cattle during the invasion. “What happened in Girkau is heartbreaking. We lost a police officer who was defending the community, an elderly man and a young herder. They also burnt security vehicles and took away many cattle. Our people are living in fear because these attacks are becoming too frequent,” the community leader said.
Another resident stated the community had previously alerted security agencies to suspicious movements prior to the attack. “We had been calling for more security presence because we noticed unusual movements around the area. Unfortunately, our fears have now become reality. Innocent people have been killed, families have been thrown into mourning and many residents have fled for safety,” the resident said.
