A violent ambush in Kebbi State’s Shanga Local Government Area claimed the lives of nine soldiers and one police officer on Tuesday night, authorities confirmed.
The attack, carried out by armed assailants, has left the local community in shock.
Governor Nasir Idris, who visited the Federal Teaching Hospital in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, described the incident as “barbaric” and assured that the state government would provide full support to the families of the fallen and cover medical expenses for the injured.
“These are the men who risk their lives to protect our citizens. We will not relent in our efforts to safeguard the people of Kebbi State,” he said.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants targeted security personnel in the Giro Masa community while they were responding to a tip-off about suspicious activity at a local construction yard.
The attackers, who had reportedly been operating in the area for some time, ambushed the soldiers en route to the site.
In the chaos, two military vehicles were reportedly set ablaze.
Residents described the scene as terrifying, with the sounds of gunfire echoing through the community.
Two civilians were also believed to have been killed during the attack.
The military has yet to release an official statement.
Governor Idris visited both the mortuary and the hospital’s accident and emergency unit, praying for the souls of the deceased and calling for strengthened security measures across the state.
He later proceeded to the site of the attack for a firsthand assessment.
Governor Idris reiterated his commitment to increasing security deployment and promised that the state government would intensify efforts to ensure the safety of all communities in Kebbi.
The incident is the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting security forces across northern Nigeria. In June 2025, 17 soldiers were killed during a confrontation with suspected bandits in Mariga, Niger State.
In the northeast, insurgent groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have repeatedly ambushed military formations in Borno State, resulting in multiple casualties.
These attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges facing the region and the growing threats posed by armed bandits and terrorist groups.
Local and federal authorities continue to face pressure to improve intelligence, coordination, and rapid response capabilities to protect both civilians and security personnel.
