No fewer than 11 soldiers and a police officer have reportedly been killed in an ambush by gunmen in the Giro Masa community, Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The attack occurred on Tuesday night when security operatives, believed to have been operating in the area for some time, traced the gunmen to a construction company yard.
Following a tip-off, it was learnt that soldiers were dispatched to secure the site but were ambushed along the way. The police officer and soldiers lost their lives in the attack and two military trucks were set on fire.
The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, visited the accident and emergency unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, where the victims were admitted.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, the governor described the incident as unfortunate and barbaric.
He assured residents that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured and provide support to the families of the deceased security personnel.