Kebbi attack: Gunmen kill 11 soldiers, policeman, burn military vehicles in ambush

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa group have killed no fewer than 11 soldiers and a police officer in an ambush at Giro Masa community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night when security operatives, who had been operating in the area, traced the gunmen to a construction company yard.
Sources said the soldiers were deployed to secure the location following a tip-off but were ambushed on their way. During the attack, the soldiers and the police officer were killed, while two military trucks were set ablaze.
Governor Nasir Idris visited the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, where the injured victims were receiving treatment. Speaking to journalists after the visit, he described the incident as unfortunate and barbaric.
He assured residents that the state government would take responsibility for the medical bills of the injured and provide support to the families of the deceased personnel.
According to him, “Everybody knows that the Kebbi State Government doesn’t play with security issues. We have seen things for ourselves and directed the Chief Medical Director to ensure proper care for those receiving treatment.
“For those who lost their lives, the government will do everything possible to support their families. It is a great loss and a very sad situation, but we must accept what has happened in good faith.
“These soldiers were protecting the lives of Kebbi residents, yet they found themselves in this situation. The government will not relent in its efforts to safeguard lives and property. We sympathise with the families of the 11 soldiers and one police officer who died during the rescue mission.”
The governor described the Lakurawa group as callous and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting security agencies. He also disclosed plans to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff in Abuja over the incident.
“We will replace the two operational vehicles destroyed by the bandits,” he added.
Idris further commended the military for their efforts and urged them to remain committed to their duties.
“I appreciate the military for their dedication. This incident should not discourage you; continue to demonstrate professionalism,” he said.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, said members of the Lakurawa group had been terrorising communities in the area for some time, prompting the deployment of soldiers.
“It was because of their activities that soldiers were sent here, but unfortunately, they were ambushed,” the resident said.
Another local source said, “When we informed the soldiers about the movement of the Lakurawa group towards a construction yard, we did not expect they would be attacked. It was a terrible experience.”
During a visit to the scene, the Emir of Yauri, Dr Zayyanu Abdullahi, expressed concern over the killings and the recurring security challenges in the area. He called for improved intelligence gathering, reconnaissance operations, and the deployment of modern technology, including drones, to minimise casualties and strengthen security efforts.
The monarch also commended the governor for his prompt response and prayed for lasting peace in the state and the country.
A community leader, Alhaji Mahmud Mai Akuya, said residents of Shanga are facing serious security threats, with frequent attacks by bandits and Lakurawa members.
“This incident represents the peak of the security crisis in our community. Since Tuesday, fear has gripped residents. If soldiers can be attacked like this, then no one feels safe,” he said, urging the government to deploy more troops.
Similarly, a farmer, Nuhu Sani, said residents are now living in fear following the attack.
“No one imagined the situation would become this severe. I have not gone to my farm since then. People are scared and uncertain about what might happen next. We appeal to the government to increase security presence,” he said.
The Lakurawa group has been linked to several attacks in northern parts of Kebbi and neighbouring Sokoto State, where many residents have been killed or abducted.
In February, at least 33 people were reportedly killed when the group carried out coordinated attacks on eight communities in Arewa Local Government Area.
Police spokesman, Bashir Usman, disclosed that the attackers crossed from Sokoto, where parts of the state are believed to be under the control of the insurgent group.
In a separate incident a week later, the group attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area, killing five worshippers and injuring three others. The attack was said to be a reprisal following a failed ambush on the convoy of a Nigerian Army General Officer Commanding.
Usman explained that the mosque attack occurred during evening prayers and was carried out in retaliation for the group’s earlier defeat by the military.