Nine Nigerian soldiers have been killed and several others wounded after gunmen ambushed a military patrol near Shanga district in Kebbi State late Tuesday.
Kebbi, which shares borders with Benin and Niger, has long been affected by armed kidnapping gangs and Islamist militants expanding their operations across northwestern Nigeria.
According to two army sources and a local resident, the soldiers were attacked unexpectedly while on patrol near their base, leaving survivors in shock.
Authorities suspect the Lakurawa militant group, known for targeting security forces in the area, carried out the deadly assault.
Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris visited the injured soldiers on Wednesday and confirmed the attack, though he did not disclose the official death toll.
The Nigerian army has yet to release an official statement, leaving the public uncertain about the wider response.
Insecurity remains a major challenge for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, nearly three years in office, with northern states continuing to bear the brunt of attacks.
Residents described the region as increasingly dangerous, noting that armed groups exploit porous borders and limited security presence.
Analysts warn that such attacks risk further destabilizing northwestern Nigeria and undermining trust between communities and security forces.
Authorities are investigating the ambush and have called for reinforced patrols to address the persistent threat from militant and criminal networks.
