Nine Nigerian soldiers were killed and several others injured in Kebbi state after gunmen ambushed a patrol near Shanga district late Tuesday.
Kebbi, bordering Benin and Niger, has long struggled with armed kidnapping gangs and Islamist militants increasingly expanding their presence across northwestern Nigeria.
Two army sources and a local resident said the soldiers were attacked unexpectedly while patrolling near their base, leaving survivors in shock.
Officials suspect the Lakurawa militant group, notorious for targeting security forces in the area, carried out the deadly assault on the troops.
Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris visited the injured soldiers on Wednesday and confirmed the attack, though he did not disclose the official death toll.
The Nigerian army has not immediately issued a statement regarding the incident, leaving details about the broader response unclear to the public.
Insecurity remains the most pressing challenge for President Bola Tinubu’s government, nearly three years into his administration, with northern states bearing the brunt.
Local residents expressed fear and frustration, describing the region as increasingly dangerous as armed groups exploit porous borders and limited security presence.
Analysts warn that such attacks could further destabilize northwestern Nigeria, undermining efforts to restore trust between communities and government forces.
Authorities continue to investigate the ambush while calling for reinforced patrols, highlighting the persistent threat posed by militant and criminal networks across the region.