"Deeply Troubling": Bashir Ahmad Condemns Terrorist Attack on Mosque in Nigeria

 

​In a development that has sent shockwaves across the country, Bashir Ahmad, the former Special Assistant on Digital Communications to the Presidency, has expressed deep concern over a brutal terrorist invasion of a mosque. On Thursday, February 26, 2026, reports emerged detailing how armed bandits, suspected to be members of the notorious Lakurawa group, stormed a religious gathering and opened fire on defenseless worshipers. Describing the incident as "deeply troubling," Ahmad joined thousands of Nigerians in calling for immediate and decisive military action to stem the tide of rising insecurity in the North-West and North-East regions.

​The Attack: Worshipers Under Fire

​The incident, which occurred in a rural community in Kebbi State, took place during a time of prayer, catching the congregation completely off guard. According to eyewitness accounts, the terrorists arrived on motorcycles and surrounded the mosque before unleashing a hail of bullets.

• ​Casualties: While the exact number of fatalities is still being verified by security agencies, several worshipers are feared dead, with many others sustaining critical gunshot wounds.
• ​The Perpetrators: Initial reports point toward the Lakurawa bandits, a relatively new but highly aggressive insurgent group that has been terrorizing border communities between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

​Bashir Ahmad, taking to his official social media handles, lamented the desecration of a holy place and the heartless targeting of citizens in their moment of worship. "This is not just an attack on a building; it is an attack on our collective humanity and the right to peaceful worship," he stated.

​Rising Menace: Who are the Lakurawa Bandits?

​The mention of the Lakurawa group in this latest attack has heightened fears among security analysts. Emerging prominently in late 2024 and 2025, this group is known for its sophisticated weaponry and its attempt to impose "taxation" on local farmers and traders.

[Image representing security forces on high alert in Northern Nigeria]

​Unlike traditional bandit groups, the Lakurawa often utilize extremist ideologies to justify their violence, making them a hybrid threat that combines criminal banditry with insurgent tactics. Their invasion of a mosque—a place traditionally considered a sanctuary—marks a dangerous escalation in their operations, showing a total disregard for local customs and religious sanctity.

​Public Outcry and the Call for Justice

​Bashir Ahmad’s reaction mirrors the growing frustration of many Nigerians who feel that the security situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable. In his statement, he urged the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to deploy advanced surveillance and "neutralize" the cells responsible for these coordinated strikes.

​"We cannot continue to record these tragedies," Ahmad added. "The security of lives and property is the primary responsibility of the state, and our hearts go out to the families in Kebbi who are mourning today." Community leaders in the affected axis have also called for a permanent military base to be established along the corridor to prevent the Lakurawa from using the vast forests as a staging ground for future attacks.

​Government and Military Response

​Following the outcry triggered by the attack and Ahmad's subsequent reaction, the Nigerian Army has reportedly mobilized troops to the area under Operation Hadarin Daji. Security sources indicate that a "clearance operation" is currently underway to track the insurgents into the rugged terrain.

​The Kebbi State Government has also promised to foot the medical bills of the survivors currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre. However, for many, these reactive measures are not enough. There is a loud demand for proactive intelligence gathering that can stop these "soft target" attacks before they occur.

​Conclusion: A Nation in Mourning

​The invasion of a mosque and the cold-blooded murder of worshipers is a grim reminder that the battle against terror in Nigeria is far from over. Bashir Ahmad’s "deeply troubling" verdict resonates with a populace that is weary of violence. As the nation stands in solidarity with the victims, the focus remains on the government to translate its "Renewed Hope" promises into tangible safety for every Nigerian, regardless of where they choose to pray.