Suspected Lakurawa bandits launched a violent attack along the Zogirma–Tilli Road in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State in a failed bid to abduct commuters travelling on the route.
Upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer in Zogirma swiftly led a team of officers to the scene, backed by reinforcements from the No. 36 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Birnin Kebbi. A fierce gun battle followed, resulting in the tragic death of three police officers.
The Kebbi State Police Command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. He added that several of the bandits were also neutralised in the crossfire. The Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, hailed the courage, dedication, and supreme sacrifice of the fallen personnel.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Nasir Idris confirmed the attack and the loss of lives while announcing the postponement of a planned All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting earlier scheduled in Birnin Kebbi.
In a separate but related development, the Nigerian Army’s 223 Light Battalion in Zuru successfully repelled a massive assault by over 400 heavily armed bandits who attempted to invade Ribah town in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.
The bandits, who arrived in large numbers, engaged the soldiers in an intense gun battle. However, the troops’ superior firepower and tactics forced the attackers to retreat after many of them were killed. Several of their corpses and a cache of weapons were recovered at the scene, while some of the criminals managed to carry away the bodies of their slain colleagues.
The Director of Security in Kebbi State’s Cabinet Office, Alhaji AbdulRahman Zagga, confirmed the development, praising the bravery and swift response of the Nigerian Army.
He stated that although the attack initially appeared overwhelming, the resilience and skill of the troops turned the tide, ensuring the safety of Ribah and its residents.
