Sokoto State, historically revered as the seat of the Caliphate and a symbol of religious and cultural heritage, has increasingly become a theatre of violence perpetrated by criminals, bandits and jihadist groups. More than 50 villages have reportedly been deserted and about 185 people killed between July and September 2026, with over 850 others injured. Ransom payments running into millions of naira have further impoverished already vulnerable populations. The groups driving insecurity include conventional criminal gangs involved in kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and extortion, as well as the Lakurawa group, which reportedly seeks to radicalise communities.
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