BIRNIN KEBBI, Nigeria (SCANS) — Heavily armed gunmen ambushed a security convoy in Nigeria’s northwestern Kebbi State on Tuesday night, killing nine soldiers and one police officer in one of the deadliest strikes against security forces in the region this year.
The attack occurred near the Giro Masa community in the Shanga Local Government Area. Security sources and local residents told the Associated Press that the troops were responding to a tip-off regarding gunmen operating near a local construction company yard. As the convoy approached the site to secure it, the assailants—positioned in a tactical ambush—opened heavy fire.
In the ensuing chaos, the gunmen set ablaze two military gun trucks. While official government reports initially focused on the ten security fatalities, local community members confirmed that at least two civilians were also killed during the crossfire.
The “Lakurawa” Threat
While no group has formally claimed responsibility, security analysts and local officials increasingly point toward the Lakurawa, an extremist insurgent group that has recently infiltrated the northwest from the Sahelian borders of Niger and Mali.
Unlike traditional “bandits” who focus on kidnapping for ransom, the Lakurawa are known for attempting to impose extremist ideologies and have recently engaged in high-profile skirmishes with the Nigerian military.
Just weeks ago, in late February, troops from the 8 Division narrowly foiled a similar ambush targeting the convoy of a General Officer Commanding (GOC) in the same state, killing five Lakurawa fighters in the process.
Government Response
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris visited the Federal Teaching Hospital in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday morning to meet with survivors and the families of the deceased.
“This is a barbaric act against men who have dedicated their lives to our safety,” Idris said. “The Kebbi State Government will not relent. We are covering all medical costs for the survivors and will provide full support to the families of those we have lost.”
Following the hospital visit, the Governor traveled under heavy guard to the Giro Masa ambush site for an on-the-spot assessment.
Security Brief: The Rising Toll in Kebbi (2026)
Date Incident Type Location Reported Casualties Feb 19 Lakurawa Militant Raid Multiple Villages 34 Civilians Feb 24 Ambush on GOC Convoy Mayama Hill 5 Terrorists killed March 20 Vigilante Outpost Attack Bagudu/Augie LGA 3 Vigilantes killed March 24 Giro Masa Ambush Shanga LGA 9 Soldiers, 1 Policeman, 2 Civilians The Nigerian military has since deployed reinforcements from the 1 Battalion to conduct clearance operations in the Shanga forests. However, residents remain on edge as the attackers reportedly used sophisticated weaponry and retreated into the dense “volatile forested corridors” that straddle the the border.
