Lakurawa terrorists strike in Kebbi, kill inspector, 2 other police officers

No fewer than three policemen, including inspector, have been killed during an attack by Lakurawa terrorists.

A statement issued by  Kebbi State Police Command said the slain policemen were part of the team that foiled an attempted attack by the terrorists on commuters travelling along the Zogirma-Tilli road in the Bunza Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, and made available to newsmen on Saturday, the foiled attack occurred on Friday, July 11, 2025, at about 7pm, following intelligence that the armed bandits were sighted in the surrounding forest, allegedly plotting to kidnap travellers.

A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of three officers, including a Police Inspector.

The statement said, “Acting swiftly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Zogirma mobilised a response team and engaged the criminals with the support of personnel from the No. 36 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Birnin Kebbi.

“The combined team of Policemen engaged the suspected Lakurawa bandits in a fierce gun battle. Several of the bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the forest.

“Tragically, the operation claimed the lives of three gallant police officers, who were hailed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, for their bravery and ultimate sacrifice”

While mourning the fallen heroes, CP Sani assured the public of the Command’s continued resolve to protect lives and property across the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“The Command will not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people of Kebbi State,” the Commissioner emphasised.

The police authorities also prayed for the eternal repose of the souls of the officers who died in the line of duty.

In response to the incident, Governor Nasir Idris expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and subsequently postponed a planned All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ meeting in Birnin Kebbi.

The troops of the Nigerian Army’s 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, also successfully repelled an attempted invasion of Ribah town by over 400 heavily armed bandits on Wednesday.

The bandits, in a coordinated assault, tried to overrun the town but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers.

The intense firefight led to the death of many attackers. While some of the bandits were able to evacuate their dead, several corpses were left behind alongside a significant cache of recovered weapons.
Confirming the development, the Director of Security at the Kebbi State Cabinet Office, Alhaji AbdulRahman Zagga, lauded the gallantry of the Nigerian Army. He noted that despite the numerical strength of the attackers, the professionalism and firepower of the troops turned the tide of the battle.