Gunmen ambush security operatives, kill officers, civilians in Kebbi

Tragedy struck Giro Masa community in Shanga Local Government Area on Tuesday night, as gunmen launched a deadly ambush on security operatives, leaving several people dead.

The attack reportedly targeted a team of military and police officers, with casualties recorded among both security personnel and civilians. While the exact number of slain officers has yet to be officially confirmed, local sources revealed that at least two residents of the community lost their lives in the incident.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers had been operating within the community and nearby areas before being tracked to a construction company yard. Acting on a tip from residents, soldiers were dispatched to the site but were ambushed en route.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly set two military gun trucks on fire.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as chaotic and deadly.

“The gunmen came into our village and were heading towards the construction company yard. We alerted security personnel, but they were ambushed,” the source said.

Another local noted the confusion and fear among residents.

“It was terrifying. People were running in all directions as the gunmen fired at the soldiers and set the trucks ablaze,” the resident added.

As of press time, there had been no official statement from security authorities regarding the incident.

As of press time, no official statement had been released by security authorities regarding the incident.

Shanga Local Government Area, like other parts of Kebbi State, has in recent years witnessed sporadic attacks by armed groups, targeting both security forces and civilians.

Such incidents often involve ambushes along highways and in rural communities, with assailants typically fleeing to forested or hard-to-reach areas.

Security agencies have frequently conducted joint operations to curb these attacks, but challenges in terrain, intelligence, and mobility have hampered complete containment.