Ten police, 17 suspected gang members and two civilians killed in Kebbi State firefight

Police in Kebbi State confirmed that a violent confrontation on Thursday resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals identified as suspected gang members and two civilians. The incident occurred in the rural district of Jega, where local security forces had been conducting a targeted operation against a known criminal network that has been linked to extortion and illegal trade in the region.

According to a statement released by the Kebbi State Police Command, the operation was initiated after intelligence indicated the gang had been planning a large-scale robbery. The raid, carried out by a combined force of state police and community volunteers, ended with a firefight that left the suspected gang members and two bystanders dead. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the civilian casualties and have called for a thorough review of the operation’s conduct.

The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target both public officials and ordinary residents. Local authorities have pledged to strengthen patrols and improve community engagement to prevent further violence in the area.