Nigerian Army Repels 400 Bandits in Deadly Kebbi Attack, Kills Many and Recovers Weapons
Troops of the 223 Light Battalion in Zuru, Kebbi State, have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by over 400 armed bandits in Ribah town, located in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.
The attempted invasion, which occurred on Wednesday, turned into a bloody confrontation as soldiers engaged the heavily armed bandits in an intense gun battle that lasted several hours. Eye-witnesses described the clash as a full-blown battlefield, saying the army’s superior firepower eventually overwhelmed the attackers, who were forced to flee in disarray.
Military sources confirmed that many of the bandits were killed, while others escaped with bullet wounds. The soldiers recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition, while ensuring that Ribah town was fully secured and calm restored.
The Director of Security at the Kebbi State Cabinet Office, AbdulRahman Zagga, applauded the soldiers’ swift action, describing their bravery as “uncommon.”
“The troops displayed exceptional courage. Their rapid response and combat skill turned what could have been a major bloodbath into a stunning military victory,” Zagga said.
He also praised the Nigerian Air Force for its critical aerial backup, which helped trap and neutralize several fleeing bandits, closing off their escape routes.
Further intelligence reveals the attackers were part of a larger criminal gang linked to recent attacks in Niger State, who were likely expanding their operations into Kebbi. But their ambitions were crushed by the combined effort of Nigerian forces.
In a related development, troops stationed at Dukku Barracks successfully repelled another bandit attack in Mera, Augie LGA. The attackers, identified as the Lakurawa group, were attempting to rustle cattle but fled after encountering fierce military resistance.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, praised the gallant efforts of the security forces, assuring citizens of continued government support to strengthen operations across vulnerable areas.
“These victories prove that with unity and consistent effort, we can defeat banditry and restore lasting peace,” he said.
Just days before, a joint security task force had rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered stolen livestock in the same axis of Danko Wasagu, signaling a strong momentum in the ongoing fight against insecurity in Kebbi State.
Local residents of both Ribah and Mera expressed relief and gratitude to the military, urging authorities to sustain the pressure on criminal gangs to prevent future attacks.
