1 Soldier Missing, 4 Killed In Gun Battle With Bandits In Kebbi

One soldier has been declared missing, while four other people were killed during a gun battle between security personnel and suspected bandits in Tudun Bicci community, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

According to Bena, the victims comprised two forest guards and two civilians, while one military personnel remains unaccounted for following the fierce exchange of gunfire with the armed bandits.

He disclosed that several bandits were also killed during the operation, while many others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, the council chairman said the security challenges facing the area were fuelled by the activities of armed groups operating from camps in neighbouring Zamfara and Niger states.

Bena said the Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the local government and security agencies, was intensifying efforts to end recurring attacks and kidnappings across the state.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies, expressing confidence that the administration of Governor Nasir Idris, would sustain measures aimed at restoring lasting peace, security and peaceful coexistence in the affected communities.

The council chairman also appealed to residents to remain loyal to the state government and support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris in the 2027 general elections.