Terrorists Ambush Soldiers In Kebbi, Kill 13

No fewer than nine soldiers, a police officer, a civilian, and two unidentified individuals were killed on Tuesday after suspected Lakurawa terrorists ambushed them in the Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The security personnel were reportedly on a patrol mission aimed at monitoring and suppressing insurgent activities in the area when their vehicle came under attack.

On Wednesday, Governor Nasir Idris paid a visit to wounded survivors receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Birnin Kebbi, where the remains of the fallen soldiers were also deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

The governor condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric,” and reiterated his administration’s dedication to protecting the lives of Kebbi residents.

“This is a tragic incident. These soldiers were dedicated to protecting the lives of our people, yet they fell victim to this senseless violence,” Governor Idris told journalists.

He further announced that the state government would bear the full medical costs of the injured and extend support to the families of those who lost their lives.

After the hospital visit, the governor and journalists proceeded to the Giro Masa community to inspect the site of the ambush.

Residents who spoke to reporters confirmed the death toll, adding that the security team had been specifically deployed to counter the growing presence of the terrorist group in the area.

Related: Seven Soldiers Were Ambushed And Killed By Boko Haram In Borno State

The Nigerian Army has yet to issue any statement on the incident.

The Lakurawa group — an extremist organisation believed to have connections with Sahelian insurgents operating out of Mali and Niger — has been ramping up its activities across Kebbi State in Northwest Nigeria.

The latest attack came on the heels of a recent similar ambush in which the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Bemgha Koughna, narrowly escaped an ambush by suspected terrorists. The general had been leading a specialised clearance operation targeting bandit strongholds across the Northwest.

On June 25, 2025, the Nigerian Army confirmed the deaths of 17 soldiers following a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The troops had responded to a distress call over an attack on the Bangi community before being engaged by heavily armed fighters, resulting in significant casualties.

In the Northeast, insurgent attacks have equally continued unabated. On several occasions in 2025, fighters affiliated with Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province launched ambushes on military formations in Borno State, resulting in soldier fatalities.

One such incident took place in late 2025, when a coordinated raid on a military base left troops dead.