NYSC Corps Member Killed in Kebbi Mosque Attack During Ramadan Prayers
A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abubakar Sadiq, has been confirmed among the worshippers killed after suspected terrorists attacked a mosque during evening prayers in Kebbi state. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening, February 25, 2026, in the Dadinkowa community, located in the Maiyama Local Government Area of the state.
Friends and Coursemates Mourn a Peaceful and Dedicated Graduate
In an exclusive interview, friends and coursemates of the deceased described Sadiq as a peaceful, humble, and hardworking individual who was committed to serving his country. One university coursemate stated, "He was someone full of hope and committed to serving his country. Nobody imagined his service year would end this way." Another grieving friend added, "He went to serve Nigeria and died while praying. That is the hardest part for all of us to accept." Sadiq, an alumnus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, had recently spoken about completing his national service and pursuing further career opportunities before his life was cut short during the holy month of Ramadan.
Details of the Mosque Attack and Security Context
According to sources, gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group stormed the mosque during congregational prayers and opened fire on worshippers. Witness accounts revealed that the attackers fired sporadically, causing panic as congregants attempted to flee the scene. Earlier reports indicated that at least four worshippers were killed, while five others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Security sources believe the assault was a reprisal attack following a failed ambush earlier in the week involving suspected Lakurawa fighters. Intelligence reports suggested the terrorists carried out the mosque attack after troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA reportedly neutralised five suspected Lakurawa members near Mayama Hill. This operation allegedly targeted a military convoy during an operational tour by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, identified as Bemgha Koughna.
Heightened Concerns Over Lakurawa Militant Activity
The latest incident has heightened concerns over increasing activities of the Lakurawa militants across parts of Nigeria's northwest region, where communities continue to face attacks despite ongoing military operations. In a related development, suspected Lakurawa terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on multiple villages in Kebbi state on February 17, killing 34 people and forcing residents to flee their homes. These deadly assaults struck villages such as Mamunu, Awashaka, and Masama, overwhelming local defences.
Security experts noted that authorities have since intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the killings, assuring residents that operations are ongoing to restore calm in the affected communities. However, for friends and family of Sadiq, the tragedy remains deeply personal, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
