Reports indicate that a deadly ambush by armed gunmen may have claimed the lives of nine soldiers and a policeman in the Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Governor Nasir Idris confirmed the deadly attack, which happened on Tuesday night.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack unfolded in the Giro Masa community when security operatives were suddenly targeted by the assailants.
The gunmen, believed to have been operating in the area for some time, were reportedly traced by security forces to a construction company yard.
Following a tip-off from residents, soldiers were dispatched to secure the site—but were ambushed along the way.
Eyewitnesses had earlier also said the assault, which occurred Tuesday night, resulted in the deaths of an undisclosed number of military personnel and two civilians.
In the chaos, two military trucks were said to have been set on fire.
Residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the scene as terrifying and chaotic, leaving the community in shock.
The military authorities have yet to officially comment on the incident.
While speaking to journalists after visiting the mortuary and the Accident and Emergency unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, on Wednesday, where victims of the attack were taken, Idris described the attack as barbaric.
He assured that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured and provide support to the families of the deceased security personnel.
“This is a sad incident. These are the soldiers who protect the lives of Kebbi residents, yet they found themselves in this situation. The Kebbi State Government will not relent in its efforts to protect the lives of its citizens,” he said.
Governor Nasir Idris visited the mortuary and the accident and emergency unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, where victims of the attack were taken to.
The governor also prayed for the souls of the deceased and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state.
He later proceeded to the scene of the attack for an on-the-spot assessment.
Deadly Attacks
There have been persistent attacks by bandits and terrorist groups across northern Nigeria, with several incidents involving fatalities among troops.
On June 25, 2025, the Nigerian Army confirmed that 17 soldiers were killed during a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The troops had responded to an attack on the Bangi community when they were engaged by heavily armed fighters, resulting in significant casualties.
In the North-East, attacks by insurgent groups have also persisted, as on multiple occasions in 2025, fighters linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province carried out ambushes on military formations in Borno State, leading to the deaths of soldiers.
One such incident occurred in late 2025, when troops were killed during a coordinated raid on a military base. (Channels)
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