KANO (Nigeria): An attack by suspected radical militants from a group that was targeted by the United States in December airstrikes has killed 20 people in northwest Nigeria, an intel report showed on Sunday.
A confidential security report prepared for the United Nations seen by AFP said jihadists from the shadowy Lakurawa group raided the Fesken Rafi community in Kebbi state’s Arewa district near the border with Niger, “killing more than 20 victims”.
The raid reportedly occurred a few days ago, according to local media but was only reported over the weekend after the Kebbi state deputy governor visited the area. No exact date was given. AFP reached out to police and security officials for comment.
The attack happened after a lull in violence by Lakurawa in the past months, suggesting a resurgence of violence by the jihadist group, the report said, adding it may be intended to show its capability to stage complex operations in the face of intensified military offensives.
The US military struck parts of northwestern Nigeria on December 25, which the Nigerian government said targeted Islamic State group fighters, the Lakurawa jihadist group and “bandit” criminal gangs.
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