Nine soldiers and a police officer were killed in a deadly ambush by armed gunmen in Kebbi State’s Shanga Local Government Area, Governor Nasir Idris confirmed Wednesday.
The attack occurred Tuesday night in Giro Masa community when security operatives responding to a tip-off were targeted by the assailants.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, who had reportedly been operating in the area for some time, were traced to a construction company yard.
“The Kebbi State Government will not relent in its efforts to protect the lives of its citizens,”
Governor Idris said during visits to the mortuary and the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, where the victims were taken.
Residents described the ambush as terrifying. “It was chaos.
The sound of gunfire and explosions left everyone in shock,” said one resident, who requested anonymity.
Two military trucks were reportedly set ablaze during the attack, and two civilians were also killed, according to eyewitnesses.
Governor Idris vowed to strengthen security in the area and provide support to the families of the fallen and injured.
The military has yet to release an official statement.
The attack adds to growing security concerns in northern Nigeria, where bandits and insurgent groups have increasingly targeted security personnel in recent months.
Authorities are investigating the ambush and have stepped up patrols in surrounding communities to prevent further attacks.
Governor Idris’s assurance aims to reassure residents amid rising insecurity and reinforce efforts to protect both civilians and security forces in Kebbi State.
