Police Officers, Bandits Killed, As Lukarawa, Security Team Clash in Kebbi State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi State Police Command on Saturday, July 12, 2025, reaffirmed its commitment towards adequately protecting the lives and properties of residents.

The reassurance comes in the wake of a fierce gun duel between security operatives and elements suspected to be members of the emerging terrorist group, the Lukarawas, along the Zogirma/Tilli road in Bunza Local Government of the state on Friday evening.

The terrorists were said to have ambushed and unleashed a surprise attack on a convoy of security personnel on routine surveillance, which resulted in the death of three police officers and several terrorists.

A statement  from the Kebbi police Command spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar , informed that the  security team swiftly responded to the sudden attack, a development that led to casualties on both sides.

According to Abubakar, the security operatives were in the process of  responding to a distress call  on an attempted attack and abduction of some  commuters along the Zogirma/Tilli road when they were ambushed by the terrorists.

” As a result, several suspected Lukarawa bandits were neutralized , while others escaped to the nearby forest with serious injures.

“Regrettably, three brave police officers lost their lives during the encounter” the Police stated.

The Police statement added that , following the confrontation between the security team and the terrorists , a reinforcement was made from the 36 police Mobile Force Squadron in Birnin Kebbi the State capital.

However, the terrorists were said to have fled into the forest before the arrival of the reinforcement team.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M Sani, while lauding the gallantry, and sacrifices of the dead officers, prayed for the repose of their souls.

“We honour their bravery and ultimate sacrifices in the line of duty .Their efforts will not be forgotten”, CP Sani said.

This is as he urged residents to remain calm and vigilant ,as well as report any suspicious movements and or activities to the nearest security formation.

The Source reports that most parts of Kebbi and neighbouring Sokoto state have been at the receiving end of the violent and destructive activities of the new Lukarawa bandits ,who are strongly believed to have infiltrated the two States from Mali and Niger Republics .