A large group of armed bandits attacked a mobile police unit in Makuku village, Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, seizing multiple rifles and setting a patrol vehicle on fire.
The Kebbi State Government confirmed that the incident took place on Thursday and described it as a well-coordinated assault on a temporary police post.
Speaking in Bagudo on Saturday, the Director of Security at the Kebbi State Cabinet Office, Abdulrahman Zagga, explained that the attackers are suspected to have crossed into the state from nearby Zamfara and Niger. He said the police officers on duty engaged the attackers in a gun battle but were eventually overpowered due to the large number of bandits.
“Our officers resisted, but they were outnumbered. The attackers burnt a Toyota Hilux vehicle and stole several rifles,” Zagga stated.
He clarified that the location was not a full-fledged police station but a temporary outpost, making it more vulnerable to such a coordinated attack.
Zagga said the state government immediately contacted the Nigerian Air Force, whose quick response forced the attackers to retreat into nearby forested areas. He also confirmed that no fatalities were recorded in the incident.
He linked the repeated attacks in the region to its border with troubled states like Zamfara and Niger, where armed groups are known to operate.
“We have refused to negotiate or enter into any peace deals with these criminals. Our approach is to confront them through lawful and decisive security action,” Zagga emphasized.
He also blamed local informants for aiding the attackers, noting that the rainy season has made rural communities more susceptible to extortion.
“These groups move from one community to another, collecting money by force. Once resources dry up in one place, they return to attack another. This pattern keeps communities living in constant fear,” he added.
