At least 21 government-backed militia members were killed in an ambush by criminal gangs in the northwestern Nigerian state of Katsina, police confirmed on Friday.
The attack occurred on Tuesday in Baure village in the Safana district, targeting a convoy of militia members returning from a condolence visit.
The Katsina State Police spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed the fatalities and stated that efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
Northwest Nigeria has been plagued by the activities of armed gangs, who engage in widespread violence, including killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of property.
The recent attack highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the region and the dangers faced by those involved in combating these criminal groups.
The Katsina Community Watch Corps, a civilian militia established by the state government to assist security forces, plays a crucial role in these efforts.
This incident underscores the significant risks faced by these individuals in their fight against the pervasive insecurity in the region.