By Joy Yesufu
Several military and police personnel, alongside civilians, have been killed following a deadly ambush by suspected gunmen in Giro Masa community, Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, on Tuesday night.
While the exact number of security operatives killed remains unclear, at least two civilians have been confirmed dead, according to local sources.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers had been operating within the community and surrounding areas before intelligence reports traced them to a construction company yard. Acting on information provided by residents, security operatives were deployed to the location but were ambushed before reaching the site.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly set two military gun trucks ablaze, escalating the scale of destruction.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as sudden and violent.
“The gunmen entered the village and were heading toward the construction company yard. We alerted security personnel, but they were ambushed on the way,” the source said.
Another eyewitness recounted the panic that gripped the community during the attack.
“There was confusion everywhere. People were running for safety as gunmen opened fire on the soldiers and burned their vehicles,” the resident said.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Shanga Local Government Area, like several parts of Kebbi State, has witnessed sporadic attacks by armed groups in recent years, with increasing incidents targeting both civilians and security personnel.
Analysts note a growing trend of attacks on security operatives, often aimed at seizing weapons and weakening local security presence.
