Reports indicate that at least nine soldiers and a police officer may have been killed in a deadly ambush by armed gunmen in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Governor Nasir Idris confirmed the attack, which occurred on Tuesday night.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident took place in the Giro Masa community, where security operatives were reportedly ambushed by suspected bandits.
The attackers, believed to have been operating in the area for some time, were said to have been traced by security forces to a construction company yard. Acting on a tip-off from residents, troops were deployed to secure the location but were ambushed en route.
Earlier reports indicated that the assault resulted in the deaths of an unspecified number of security personnel and two civilians. Two military trucks were also reportedly set ablaze during the attack.
Residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as chaotic and terrifying, leaving the community in shock.
Military authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Governor confirms attack
Governor Idris visited victims at the mortuary and the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, he condemned the attack as “barbaric” and expressed condolences to the families of the fallen 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.
The governor also assured that the state government would cover the medical expenses of the injured and provide support to the families of the deceased.
He offered prayers for the victims and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state. He later visited the scene of the attack for an on-the-spot assessment.
Rising security concerns
The attack adds to a growing pattern of violence in northern Nigeria, where bandits and insurgent groups have continued to target communities and security forces.
On June 25, 2025, the Nigerian Army confirmed that 17 soldiers were killed in a gun battle with suspected bandits in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. The troops had responded to an attack on the Bangi community before being engaged by heavily armed fighters.
In the North-East, insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have also carried out repeated attacks on military formations in Borno State, leading to further casualties.
In one such incident in late 2025, several soldiers were killed during a coordinated assault on a military base.
