Terrorists kill 2 soldiers, Chinese national in Kebbi

Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have killed two soldiers and a Chinese national in an attack on construction workers in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The attack reportedly occurred on Thursday when the terrorists, who allegedly infiltrated the state through Kebbe Local Government Area of neighbouring Sokoto State, launched a surprise attack on the workers.

However, a notorious bandit kingpin, identified as Kachalla Mu’azu, and six members of his gang have reportedly been killed during a clash involving rival armed groups in Zamfara State.

In Bayelsa State, Police Command has arrested more than 20 suspected cultists as part of intensified operations aimed at curbing cultism and cult-related violence across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this on Thursday.

Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, said the victims were among workers engaged in construction along the Badagry Super Highway project in the state.

Usman said the two soldiers were providing security for the Chinese national and other workers when the attackers struck.

He said, “Yes, the attack occurred, but the terrorists are not from Kebbi State. They infiltrated the state through a village bordering Kebbi State.

“The soldiers killed were guarding the Chinese national and other workers when the terrorists launched a surprise attack, killing two soldiers and one Chinese national and injuring others.”

The police spokesperson said the identities of the deceased soldiers could not be disclosed because they were members of the military and not police personnel.

“We cannot give you the names of those killed in the attack because they are not police officers,” he said.

Usman described the attack as “barbaric and unwarranted,” adding that security agencies had launched a manhunt for the attackers.

He said, “Joint security agencies are on the trail of the suspected Lakurawa terrorists who attacked and killed two soldiers and one Chinese national.”

The latest incident adds to growing security concerns in communities bordering Kebbi and Sokoto states, where suspected Lakurawa elements have been accused of carrying out attacks and infiltrating communities.

A statement posted on X by counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, said the Zamfara’s  incident occurred at about 7:30 pm on Wednesday, October 7, around Mada in Gusau Local Government Area of the state.

The statement said Mu’azu and his associates were reportedly returning from Yankara Market when they were ambushed by members of a rival armed group who had laid in wait along their route.

According to Makama, the ensuing confrontation reportedly resulted in the deaths of Mu’azu and six of his associates.

He added that Mu’azu was said to have been a prominent bandit commander linked to criminal activities and attacks affecting communities in Gusau and other parts of Zamfara, as well as areas of neighbouring Katsina State.

“His death is expected to have implications for the activities of armed groups operating around the Gusau axis, although it remains unclear whether the killing will lead to any immediate change in the security situation.

“Mada is a settlement in the eastern part of Gusau Local Government Area, about 32 kilometres from Gusau town, while Yankara is located along the Gusau-Funtua axis.

“Security agencies are expected to continue monitoring the area following the reported clash and to establish further details about the rival groups involved,” Makama said.

In Bayelsa, the PPRO said 20 suspected cultists had so far been arrested, adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, would issue a formal statement on the ongoing operations.

He said the state was currently peaceful, while commending residents and communities for their cooperation with security agencies in efforts to apprehend suspected cultists.

“So far, 20 suspected cultists have been arrested. The CP will make a formal statement on that,” Mohammed said.

“Bayelsa State is peaceful now. We appreciate the efforts by various communities to ensure that these enemies of the state are apprehended,” he stated.

The crackdown, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, has covered Swali, Akenfa, Down Yenagoa, Agudama and other communities identified as vulnerable to cult activities.

Police boss said several suspected cultists, including some notorious figures, had been arrested, while security operatives were also tracking other suspects.

The Commissioner has directed divisional and tactical teams across the state to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent planned cult clashes, initiations and recruitment.

The command said the ongoing operation was aimed at dismantling cult networks and restoring peace to communities affected by cult-related activities.

Residents of Swali, Agudama, Akenfa and other communities have also reportedly begun distancing themselves from cult groups and openly expressing opposition to cultism and violence.