A deadly ambush by armed gunmen has reportedly claimed the lives of nine soldiers and one police officer in Kebbi State, following an attack in Shanga Local Government Area on Tuesday night.
Governor Nasir Idris confirmed the incident on Wednesday, describing the assault as barbaric and deeply tragic.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack occurred in the Giro Masa community when security operatives responding to intelligence reports were ambushed by heavily armed assailants. The gunmen, believed to have maintained a presence in the area for some time, were reportedly traced to a construction company yard after residents alerted security authorities to suspicious activity.
Troops deployed to secure the location were attacked before reaching the site, triggering a violent confrontation that left several security personnel dead. Eyewitnesses also reported that two civilians were killed during the chaos, while two military trucks were set ablaze by the attackers.
Residents, who spoke anonymously, described the night as terrifying, saying the sound of gunfire and explosions threw the community into panic and left many in shock.
Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the attack.
Governor Visits Victims, Promises Support
Governor Idris visited the mortuary and Accident and Emergency Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital Birnin Kebbi, where victims of the ambush were taken.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, he pledged that the state government would cover the treatment costs of those injured and provide support to the families of the fallen security personnel.
âThis 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,â the governor said.
He also offered prayers for the deceased and reaffirmed his administrationâs commitment to strengthening security across the state. Following the hospital visit, the governor proceeded to the attack scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
Rising Security Concerns in Northern Nigeria
The latest ambush adds to a growing list of deadly attacks carried out by bandits and insurgent groups across northern Nigeria.
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 after troops responded to an attack on Bangi community.
In the North-East, insurgent violence has also persisted, particularly in Borno State, where fighters linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have repeatedly launched coordinated assaults on military formations, killing several troops in separate incidents.
One of such attacks occurred in late 2025 when insurgents carried out a coordinated raid on a military base, resulting in multiple casualties among security forces.
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