By Erewunmi Peace

Reports have emerged claiming that United States military airstrikes carried out in north-western Nigeria killed at least 155 fighters linked to the Lakurawa militant group.

According to the reports, the strikes targeted suspected Lakurawa camps in parts of Sokoto State, as part of counter-terrorism operations aimed at weakening armed groups operating in the region. The operation is said to have taken place with intelligence support and coordination involving Nigerian security authorities.

Media sources reporting the incident described the operation as a precision strike against militant hideouts, with the casualty figure reportedly including fighters killed during the attack and others who later died from injuries sustained.

However, neither the United States government nor the Nigerian military has officially confirmed the operation or the casualty figure of 155. There has also been no formal public statement detailing the exact role played by U.S. forces, leaving aspects of the report unverified.

The Lakurawa group is believed to operate in parts of north-west Nigeria and has been linked to violent attacks and insecurity in rural communities, although it is less prominent than extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Security analysts note that U.S.–Nigeria cooperation on counter-terrorism has existed for years, largely involving intelligence sharing, training, and logistical support.

Direct U.S. combat operations on Nigerian soil, however, are rare and often attract public and political scrutiny.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to issue an official clarification, and the reported figures remain based on media and investigative reports rather than confirmed government data.