Security forces have reportedly arrested a suspected Lakurawa fighter identified as Dego in the western axis of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, amid intensified military operations against the terrorist group.
The reported arrest was disclosed on Thursday, September 3, 2026, by conflict reporter Bakatsine in a post on X. According to the report, Dego is allegedly linked to attacks and mass abductions around Dekara, where local sources claim that more than 500 women, men and children remain in captivity.
Bakatsine said the arrest could provide security agencies with intelligence on the group's movements, networks and hideouts, as well as possible locations where abducted residents are being held.
The development follows coordinated attacks on several communities in Borgu LGA on Friday, August 21, 2026, during which residents were reportedly abducted from Gidan-Zana, Kpenya, Masaka, Sabon Gida and surrounding communities.
Reports indicate that the attackers also stormed a mosque in Kpenya while Muslim worshippers were gathered for Jumu'ah prayers. Among those reportedly abducted were the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekara and the Chief Imam of Dekara Central Mosque.
The exact number of people abducted has not been independently established. Earlier reports put the figure at about 600, while the latest account says more than 500 people are still being held captive.
The attacks reportedly followed disagreements between residents and the terrorists over alleged demands for levies and the imposition of religious rules on communities in the area.
A video reportedly showing scores of abducted men and women also emerged following the attacks, further raising concerns among families whose relatives remain unaccounted for.
Security operations have since intensified in parts of Borgu as authorities work to locate the abducted residents and dismantle the Lakurawa network operating in the area.
The reported arrest of Dego has therefore heightened expectations that security agencies may obtain information capable of supporting efforts to locate and safely rescue those still in captivity. However, the details of the arrest and the information allegedly obtained from the suspect have not been independently confirmed by Nigerian security authorities in the material reviewed.
Tags
Security