Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Security forces have arrested a suspected Lakurawa fighter identified as Dego in the western axis of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, in a major breakthrough that could provide crucial intelligence on the whereabouts of more than 500 hostages still held captive by the terrorist group. The arrest, which was confirmed by local sources on Thursday, September 3, 2026, comes as troops intensify operations against Lakurawa fighters in the Borgu axis, following the group's devastating attack on communities in the area on August 21, 2026.
According to local sources, Dego is directly linked to the attack and mass abductions around Dekara, where gunmen, reportedly dressed in military-style clothing, simultaneously targeted mosques during Friday prayers in the villages of Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka. Local residents told the BBC that as many as 500 people may have been abducted, though this has not been independently verified. A local youth leader who spoke to the BBC said he recognised several individuals from his community in a video released by the kidnappers. The attackers also planted improvised explosive devices in parts of the affected communities as they led abductees into the forest.
The arrest of Dego could provide security forces with critical intelligence on the group's movements, networks, and the possible location of the hostages. A suspected member of the Lakurawa terrorist group, identified by local residents as Mar Dego, had previously been linked to the mosque attack in Dekera District. Community sources identified Mar Dego, described as a suspected Lakurawa fighter, among those allegedly involved in the attack. The claim had not been independently verified at the time.
The arrest comes as the Nigerian military and other security agencies intensify operations against Lakurawa fighters in the Borgu axis. The Lakurawa group, an extremist outfit linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province, has been responsible for a series of violent attacks and abductions in parts of northwestern Nigeria. The group has also been associated with the Mahmuda group, with both factions reportedly clashing over control of settlements in the Kainji Lake area.
The priority now is to use the intelligence gathered from Dego to locate and safely rescue the hostages still in captivity. As one security source noted, the arrest is a significant step, but the real test will be whether it translates into the safe return of the abducted men, women, and children. For the families of the hostages, the arrest offers a glimmer of hope that their loved ones may soon be freed from the grip of terror.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments