Terrorists Kill Four Worshippers in Kebbi Mosque Attack, Retaliation Suspected
In a tragic escalation of violence, suspected Lakurawa terrorists have launched a deadly assault on a mosque in Kebbi State, resulting in the deaths of four worshippers and injuries to five others. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening, February 25, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the Dadinkowa community in the Maiyama local government area of Nigeria's northwest region.
Details of the Deadly Incident
The terrorists stormed the mosque during evening prayers, opening fire sporadically on the congregants who were engaged in worship. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos and terror as worshippers scrambled for safety while gunfire echoed through the sacred space. The injured victims were promptly transported to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment, though their conditions remain undisclosed.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, this brutal attack appears to be a retaliatory measure for a foiled military ambush that occurred earlier in the week. Security forces had successfully thwarted an attempt on the convoy of Bemgha Koughna, the general officer commanding the 8 Division, during an operational tour in the state.
Military Context and Retaliation
The failed ambush operation, carried out by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, resulted in the deaths of five suspected Lakurawa members near Mayama Hill. This military success appears to have triggered the terrorist group's violent response against civilian worshippers, marking a disturbing escalation in their tactics.
Security authorities have confirmed that intensive operations are underway to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Officials have assured the public of intensified security measures aimed at restoring calm and preventing further attacks in the vulnerable region.
Pattern of Violence in Northwest Nigeria
This latest incident adds to growing concerns about Lakurawa terrorist activities in Nigeria's northwest region, where similar attacks have created a climate of fear among religious communities. The Kebbi assault follows a pattern of mosque attacks that have plagued the area in recent years.
In a separate but related incident, bandits killed at least thirteen worshippers during early morning prayers at a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Katsina State. Authorities described that assault as retaliation after residents ambushed attackers, killed some of them, and rescued abducted victims.
Similarly, Zamfara State witnessed tragedy when bandits attacked a mosque in Yandoto village in Tsafe Local Government Area on September 26, 2025. Eyewitnesses provided vivid descriptions of the invasion, though exact casualty figures from that incident remain unclear.
Government Response and Security Measures
Following these attacks, state governments have consistently deployed additional security forces to affected areas, assuring residents of enhanced protection and pledging justice for victims and their families. The recurring nature of these assaults highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria's northwestern states.
Security experts emphasize that these attacks represent a dangerous shift toward targeting religious gatherings, creating additional challenges for protection efforts. The psychological impact on communities who fear attending places of worship adds another layer to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
As investigations continue into the Kebbi mosque attack, authorities face mounting pressure to develop more effective strategies for protecting vulnerable civilian populations while maintaining offensive operations against terrorist groups operating in the area.
