Three personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have been killed after gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group attacked an immigration checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, along the Maje border in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
A source told Channels TV that during the deadly assault, which occurred around midnight on Thursday, the terrorists set the operational vehicle of the NIS ablaze and burnt down their checkpoint shelter.
According to the source, the attack has heightened fear in several border communities already grappling with rising insecurity in the state.
Also, multiple sources said the terrorists stormed the NIS checkpoint without warning and opened fire on officers conducting routine border duties, killing three of them instantly, according to Channels Television.
Channels TV also reported that a security source revealed that the attackers escaped through nearby bushes moments after the shooting.
The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, who confirmed the incident, said details of the attack remained “sketchy.”
Meanwhile, the NIS command in Kebbi has not released an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.
But several residents and members of different security agencies in Bagudo, who requested anonymity, independently also confirmed the attack and the casualties.
Kebbi State has witnessed increased terrorist attacks, abductions, and killings in recent weeks, including the attack and abduction of 25 schoolgirls and the killing of the school vice-principal.
About three weeks ago, personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reportedly came under attack, resulting in the death of an officer.
“The terrorists came in large numbers and started shooting sporadically. Everyone ran for safety,” a resident told Channels TV.
In that earlier attack, the Customs officer was reportedly killed instantly before the gunmen set the security camp ablaze.
The attack on Wednesday added to a string of violent incidents attributed to the Lakurawa gang, which has been linked to attacks on both civilians and security operatives across parts of Kebbi State.
Several official vehicles were reportedly burnt in a similar operation in the Maje border axis, deepening concerns over the deteriorating security situation along the Nigeria–Benin border corridor.
The motive behind the terrorists’ latest assault remains unclear.
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