LAGOS JANUARY 4TH (NEWSRANGERS)-Amid controversy over impact on terrorists, fresh findings have shown that the Christmas Eve US airstrikes destroyed Lakurawa terrorist camps in Sokoto forests, with survivors fleeing the area, Sunday PUNCH can report.
Residents of villages close to the terrorist enclaves, including Kawuri-Kandam, Malgam and Kahuri of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, told Sunday PUNCH that they saw from afar several missiles hitting the terrorists’ bases.
They described the operations as scenes of panic.
Their accounts come days after President Donald Trump announced that the US military carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in northwestern Nigeria.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform on December 24, said, “At my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries. I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
The Federal Government, while confirming the strikes, said it gave the US support and that the strikes were carried out on targeted areas being used by the terrorists.
However, there were controversies over the success of the operations, as some people believed that the missiles hit the wrong targets in Sokoto and Kwara states, where no casualty was recorded.
At Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, a missile reportedly hit a farmland, while some buildings were affected in Offa, Kwara State.
Although there were no deaths, several residents sustained injuries, while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in Offa, Kwara State after being hit by missiles.
A top security source told Saturday PUNCH that the strike was successful, disclosing that over 16 missiles were fired at the enclaves.
Asked why there was no photo or video evidence, the intelligence officer said the peculiarity of the location slowed down the gathering of evidence of the operations.
“The operation was successful, and the terrorists have been decimated. From our findings, over 16 missiles were fired at the terrorists’ hideouts and they were caught unawares. But because their camps are in deep forests, pictures or videos couldn’t be taken from the air, and troops are also cautioned against going to the location for now. They may be laying ambushes after being dislocated,” he said.
Another security operative in Tangaza, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the strike dealt a significant blow to Lakurawa operations.
“We have not been authorised to disclose details, but the strike was successful. Several camps were destroyed. The attack came unexpectedly and did not give them enough time to escape or secure their bases,” he said.
Similarly, locals in Tangaza Local Government said the operations were successful, noting that there had been no traces of the terrorists since the strikes.
According to the residents, the terrorist hideouts in Kawuri-Kandam, Malgam and Kahuri were hit by the missiles, adding that the operations have significantly weakened the group’s presence.
A resident of Tangaza town, Abubakar Shehu, said peace had returned to the community since the operations.
Recounting the strikes, Shehu said, “The ground shook, then fire followed. The strike sent fear into their camps.
“People from Gongono told us they saw remnants of the terrorists fleeing their base in Kawuri-Kandam and Malgam, where they had dug wells and established permanent hideouts.
“My brother personally saw about 15 motorcycles carrying multiple passengers heading eastward.”
He added that the community had endured years of terror before the strikes.
“We have been terrorised by Lakurawa for a long time. That is why many of us are relieved by this development,” he said.
According to Shehu, residents could not immediately approach the affected locations due to fear of armed remnants, but relatives confirmed seeing large numbers of fighters escaping.
Another resident, Mallam Umar Aliyu, said he heard multiple explosions.
“We heard loud sounds three times. The impact shook our houses. Later, we saw fire in the distance, and it was then we realised it was the Lakurawa camp in Kahuri being hit by missiles. There were panics everywhere.
“Today, there is no sign of life in Kahuri, Kandam or Malgam. They have all fled,” he said.
For many residents, the strike represents a turning point after prolonged hardship.
A traditional herbal medicine seller, Nafiu Umar, said Lakurawa terrorists had destroyed his means of survival.
“They killed my monkey and hyena, which I used to entertain people and attract customers. They almost killed me too.
“They warned me to stop my traditional practice, saying it was against their version of Islam. That was my only source of livelihood,” he lamented.
Umar said he now survives by quietly visiting known customers and avoids public spaces out of fear.
Similarly, Bello Abdullah, a former provisions trader, said his entire village was sacked by the terrorists.
“My community was completely sacked. Nobody lived there for months until the army increased patrols.
“I refused to return because my lifestyle and dressing did not align with their rules. I was scared when I heard the blast, but thankfully civilians were not affected,” he said.
Abdullahi called for continued support for the Nigerian military, saying their presence had restored a measure of calm.
Punch
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