Fear has gripped border communities in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State over recent strikes by Lakurawa terrorists to reoccupy Waria Forest, barely two weeks after the navy bombed and overran their enclaves.
A distinguished youth chief in Tangaza, Malam Safullahi Bello on Friday raised the alarm, saying remnants of the fear group have been sighted regrouping round settlements fringing the forest.
Bello, who spoke completely with LEADERSHIP, mentioned residents live in worry that the Sahelian jihadist group is perfecting plans to reclaim the forest hall.
“The residents around the forest area are panicking. This forest was overtaken by troops recently. Now, Lakurawa terrorists are attempting to regroup in Waria Forest. If troops relax, they will return stronger,” Bello warned.
He known as on the Federal Government and the navy excessive command to ascertain a everlasting Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Waria Forest to forestall re-occupation.
The alarm is coming at a time Sokoto State is getting ready for a serious political exercise, with safety already a prime marketing campaign problem.
When contacted, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, dismissed fears of a terrorist comeback, insisting troops haven’t vacated the forest.
“A unit of soldiers was stationed at Waria Forest and it is still there. We have not withdrawn. Our mandate is to deny them any breathing space,” Osoba instructed LEADERSHIP.
Waria Forest isn’t just any forest. It is the headquarters of the dreaded Lakurawa group – a closely armed jihadist cell that infiltrated Sokoto from Niger and Mali axis and has since carved out enclaves in Tangaza, Gudu, Illela and Augie native authorities areas, in addition to components of Augie in Kebbi State.
LEADERSHIP checks present that the North-West presently harbours at the least 120 main bandit and terrorist camps. Over 100 of them are in Zamfara forests – Shinkafi/Zurmi forest (Bello Turji’s stronghold), Sububu Forest in Maradun (Dogo Gide) and Dansadau axis, with lethal satellite tv for pc camps spilling into Sokoto East – Sabon Birni, Isa, Goronyo – and the Tangaza/Gudu axis beneath Lakurawa management.
Before the October 15, 2026, Operation FANSAN YAMMA bombardment that sacked their camps, Lakurawa had imposed levies, rustled cattle and sacked farming communities in Tangaza and Gudu. In June 2026 alone, 26 communities in Sabon Birni LGA have been reportedly ordered to pay tens of millions in levies, whereas farmers in Dansadau deserted over 300 hectares of farmlands after a N50 million levy menace.
The GOC 8 Division, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, had disclosed that troops rescued 1,023 kidnap victims, recovered 189 AK-47 rifles, 2,132 rounds of ammunition and 305 bikes in sustained operations.
Lt. Col. Osoba, nonetheless, assured that the Army wouldn’t permit a resurgence.
“We will not allow them to regroup. Operation FANSAN YAMMA is ongoing and we are dominating the general area. Residents should go about their lawful activities,” he assured.
But for residents of Tangaza, the peace of mind will solely rely if the weapons stay in Waria Forest.
