Map of Kebbi state

Author: Gist Correspondent

The death toll from a deadly ambush by armed bandits in Shanga Local Government Area has risen to 13, with authorities recovering more bodies from the scene.

Governor Nasir Idris disclosed this during a visit to the area, explaining that the troops were misled by false intelligence which lured them into the attack.

According to the governor, the military had received a distress call indicating that bandits were planning an ആക്രമment on a community, prompting troops to mobilise in response. However, the information turned out to be inaccurate.

“On their way to the village, these notorious bandits laid ambush on them,” Idris said, noting that the development was a tragic setback.

The governor visited victims at the Federal Teaching Hospital Birnin Kebbi, including the mortuary and Accident and Emergency unit, where he described the incident as barbaric.

He assured that the state government would settle the medical bills of the injured and provide support to families of the fallen security personnel, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and strengthening security.

Idris also offered prayers for the deceased and later proceeded to the attack site for an on-the-spot assessment.

The incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks on security forces in northern Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly targeted military personnel through coordinated assaults and ambushes.