ISIS Sahel Province Claims Deadly Ambushes in Sokoto, Kebbi, Threatens President Tinubu

ISIS Sahel Province has issued its first public claims of attacks in Northwest Nigeria, announcing two ambushes on Nigerian Army patrols in Sokoto and Kebbi states. The claims were published in Al-Naba Issue 549 on May 28, 2026.

In Sokoto State on May 15, ISSP claimed an ambush near Rumji Dan Tudu in Illela Local Government Area, allegedly killing seven soldiers and injuring two others. One military vehicle was burned and weapons were seized. In Kebbi State around May 24, the group claimed an ambush near Giro Masa in Shanga Local Government Area, allegedly killing 11 soldiers and one policeman, with vehicles burned and weapons looted.

ISIS media released photos of killed soldiers and captured weapons. The newsletter also threatened President Bola Tinubu, referencing coordination with the United States against ISIS affiliates.

The group is locally associated with Lakurawa militants active along the Sokoto-Kebbi border with Niger. Nigerian authorities have designated Lakurawa a terrorist organisation with suspected ISIS ties. Analysts see the northwest activity as possible expansion by Sahel Province amid pressure from joint US-Nigeria operations in the northeast.