The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that 44 people were killed in a coordinated attack on several communities in Shanga Local Government Area.
The affected villages include Gebe, Kalkami, Kawara, Kasoshi, Awaye, Tungar Rini, Binuwa, and Dabe.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, said the command has launched a statewide clearance operation following the incident.
He said the operation was carried out on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, aimed at curbing further banditry and violent crimes across the state.
According to the police, large numbers of personnel from different security agencies have been deployed to the affected areas, restoring a measure of calm.
The command also confirmed that discreet investigations into the attack have commenced.
The ongoing clearance operation, according to the police, is focused on high-risk areas such as farmlands, forests, border communities, and remote settlements.
It also includes coordinated patrols, intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations, and joint actions with other security agencies.
As part of the operation, two AK-47 rifles were recovered along the Illo-Kamba axis, which the police described as evidence of effective intelligence-led policing.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Hadejia, urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible and timely information.
He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, and youth groups to cooperate with ongoing efforts to restore peace across the state.