Three police officers, including a Police Inspector, have been killed in Kebbi State during a foiled ambush by suspected Lakurawa bandits targeting commuters along the Zogirma–Tilli Road in Bunza Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Kebbi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the incident occurred on Friday, July 11, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m., following credible intelligence about suspicious movements in the surrounding forest.
Upon receiving the alert, the Divisional Police Officer of Zogirma, in coordination with operatives from the No. 36 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Birnin Kebbi, swiftly mobilised a tactical team to engage the bandits.
“The combined team engaged the suspected Lakurawa bandits in a fierce gun battle. Several of the criminals were neutralised, while others fled with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
Despite the successful intervention, three gallant officers lost their lives in the line of duty.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, described the fallen officers as heroes who paid the ultimate price to protect innocent citizens. He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to securing lives and property, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
“The Command will not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people of Kebbi State,” CP Sani assured.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Nasir Idris expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased officers and postponed a scheduled APC stakeholders’ meeting in Birnin Kebbi as a mark of respect.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation earlier in the week, the Nigerian Army’s 223 Light Battalion in Zuru repelled an attempted invasion by over 400 heavily armed bandits who stormed Ribah town in a coordinated assault.
The army’s swift response and superior firepower forced the attackers into retreat after a prolonged and intense gunfight.
“Despite being outnumbered, our troops demonstrated remarkable courage and professionalism. Several bandits were killed, while others fled, leaving behind both corpses and a cache of weapons,” confirmed Alhaji AbdulRahman Zagga, Director of Security at the Kebbi State Cabinet Office.
These coordinated security efforts highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining peace across parts of Kebbi State, but also underscore the increased resolve and capability of security agencies to push back against criminal elements threatening public safety.
