A deadly clash between security forces and suspected bandits has left 29 people dead in Kebbi State.
Seventeen suspected bandits and 10 police officers were killed during the encounter, police said.
Two civilians also died after the armed group moved from Zamfara into Kebbi State.
The clash occurred around the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area.
Residents said a large group of bandits travelled from Sangeko Gap in Zamfara State’s Dansadau District.
Malam Musa Sani, a resident of Makuku, said the group moved in three formations.
He said the attackers later camped overnight in a forest between Kakihum and Makuku.
According to him, they moved towards Maburya on Monday morning before encountering a police checkpoint.
“The bandits killed 10 mobile policemen and two civilians and carted away their rifles,” he alleged.
However, the Kebbi State Police Command gave details of the encounter.
Police spokesman DSP Bashir Usman said officers intercepted the heavily armed group along the border area.
“This morning, our men intercepted and engaged a heavily armed group of suspected bandits moving between Zamfara and Kebbi States along the Rafin Makuku axis of Sakaba Local Government Area,” he said.
Usman said 17 suspected bandits had so far been assessed as neutralised.
He added that four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were burnt during the confrontation.
“Tragically, we lost 10 gallant police personnel in the engagement, while two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention. Two civilians also lost their lives during the encounter,” he said.
The Kebbi bandit attack has heightened security concerns around the Zamfara-Kebbi border. Police said casualty figures could change as further verification continues.
However, the command said it would support affected families while continuing operations against fleeing suspects.
