Gunmen ambushed and killed nine soldiers and a policeman in Kebbi State’s Shanga Local Government Area on Tuesday night.
Governor Nasir Idris confirmed the attack, describing it as “barbaric” and “tragic”.
The assailants also set two military trucks ablaze during the incident.
The gunmen, believed to have been operating in the area for some time, were reportedly traced by security forces to a construction company yard.
Following a tip-off from residents, soldiers were dispatched to secure the site—but were ambushed along the way.
Governor Nasir Idris visited the mortuary and the accident and emergency unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, where victims of the attack were taken to.
He assured that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured and provide support to the families of the deceased security personnel.
“This is a sad incident. These are the soldiers who protect the lives of Kebbi residents, yet they found themselves in this situation. The Kebbi State Government will not relent in its efforts to protect the lives of its citizens,” he said.
The governor also prayed for the souls of the deceased and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state.
He later proceeded to the scene of the attack for an on-the-spot assessment.
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