By Deborah Nnamdi
Gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group have launched a deadly attack on a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, along the Maje border in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing three officers.
The midnight assault on Wednesday has heightened fear across border communities as residents worry about the growing insecurity in the area.
Multiple local sources confirmed that the attackers stormed the checkpoint without warning and opened fire on officers on duty, killing three instantly. A security source said the gunmen escaped through nearby bushes after the attack.
Spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command, Nafiu Abubakar, said details of the incident were still being gathered. Attempts to get comments from the Nigeria Immigration Service in the state were unsuccessful, as officials were not reachable at the time of filing the report.
However, locals and security personnel in Bagudo, who requested anonymity, confirmed the attack.
The incident comes barely a month after suspected terrorists killed a Nigeria Customs Service officer and set several official vehicles ablaze during a similar assault in the Maje border axis. The repeated attacks have raised concerns over escalating insecurity along the Nigeria–Benin border corridor.
The Lakurawa gang has been linked to several violent operations targeting both security operatives and civilians in parts of Kebbi State. While the motive for the latest attack remains unclear, security agencies say investigations are underway.
