Ten Nigerian police officers and at least 17 suspected bandits were killed during a gun battle in northwestern Kebbi state, authorities said on Tuesday, highlighting the persistent security crisis gripping the region.
The confrontation took place on Monday after police intercepted a heavily armed group believed to be moving between neighbouring Zamfara and Kebbi states, police spokesperson Ani Iniedu said.
Two police officers were also wounded in the fighting.
According to police, security personnel fought back against the suspected bandits and killed at least 17 members of the group before others fled the area.
Reinforcements have since been deployed, and security forces are continuing operations to track down the remaining suspects. Police said the area was now under control.
Northwestern Nigeria has for years faced violence from armed groups commonly referred to as bandits, which operate across rural areas and frequently carry out mass kidnappings, village raids, killings and cattle theft.
Despite repeated military and police operations, the gangs continue to exploit remote terrain and porous boundaries between states, often moving between strongholds in areas including Zamfara, Kebbi and neighbouring states.
The latest deaths underscore the heavy toll the conflict continues to take on both civilians and security forces as Nigerian authorities struggle to contain armed groups operating across the northwest.