Suspected gunmen, believed to be members of the Lakurawa terror group, have reportedly killed two employees of Airtel Communication Nigeria Ltd and one resident of Gumki village in the Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to reports, the attack occurred while the victims were installing surveillance equipment in the community.
The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
“On 10/01/2025 at about 2047hrs, suspected Lakurawa bandits invaded a construction site at Gumki village, Arewa LGA, a community between Nigeria and Niger Republic, where staff of Airtel communication Nigeria Ltd were installing a surveillance mask for the Nigeria Immigration Service,” he said.
“As a result, four people lost their lives, one indigene and three staff of the Airtel company.
“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani alongside with the Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kebbi State Command, CIS Muhammad Bashir Lawali, swiftly mobilized to scene, evacuated the corpses to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.”
The Command’s spokesperson stated that the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, has deployed tactical teams with a directive to take decisive action against the suspected Lakurawa bandits operating in the area.
Additionally, the Commissioner held a meeting with key stakeholders in the community, urging them to collaborate with the Police and other security agencies by providing timely and relevant information to ensure swift responses.
Flush Out Lakurawa
The military has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating the Lakurawa terrorist group along the Nigeria-Niger border.
Major General Oluyinka Soyele, Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Hadarin Daji, made this assurance during an operational visit to the tactical headquarters of the DHQ Special Operations Brigade in Balle, Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
He emphasized the importance of dedication among troops involved in Operation Flush Lakurawa Out, stressing the need to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
General Soyele urged the troops to remain vigilant and resolute in their mission to dismantle the influence of the criminal group, which threatens peace and security in border communities.
Additionally, he appealed to local communities for their support in the fight against terrorism, highlighting the critical role of civilian cooperation in ensuring the success of military operations. He emphasized that a strong alliance between the troops and residents would enhance operational efficiency and foster a united front against terrorist activities.