Jihadist Splinter Group Lakurawa Conducts Mass Abduction in Niger State
Hundreds of fighters from the Lakurawa jihadist group, linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), attacked the villages of Dikera and Binzi during Friday prayers. Survivors reporting on August 22 stated that scores were killed and dozens of civilians were abducted into nearby forests. A rival jihadist group, Mahmuda, reportedly engaged the Lakurawa fighters, leading to a large-scale clash between the two factions. The incident marks a significant expansion of jihadist activity toward the Nigeria-Benin border.
Date: August 22, 2026
Location: Niger State, Nigeria
Conflict: Nigeria Insurgency
Category: terrorism
Severity: CRITICAL
Casualties reported: 20
Source: AFP