Residents of border communities in Kebbi State are living in fear after gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) checkpoint and killed three officers on duty. The attack took place around midnight on Wednesday at Bakin Ruwa, a settlement along the Maje border in Bagudo Local Government Area.
According to local sources, the officers were taken by surprise when the heavily armed assailants stormed the checkpoint and opened fire without warning. The attack caused panic among residents who were jolted from sleep by the sound of gunshots. Many fled their homes and hid in nearby bushes until the shooting stopped.
A security source who spoke to our correspondent said the attackers escaped through the surrounding forest after the operation. “They came in large numbers and started shooting immediately. The officers on duty could not defend themselves because the attackers outnumbered them,” he said. He added that by the time help arrived, the bandits had already left the area.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed knowledge of the incident but said details were still emerging. The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, explained that security agencies were working to gather accurate information before making an official statement. Efforts to speak with officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Kebbi also proved unsuccessful, as officers were not available for comments at the time of filing this report.
However, several residents and community members, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, confirmed the killings. They described the attack as one of the deadliest on security personnel in the area in recent months.
Communities along the Maje border corridor have faced rising cases of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and destruction of property. The Nigeria–Benin border route in Bagudo has become increasingly dangerous, as criminal groups use the bush paths to move between countries and evade security forces. Residents say the attacks often happen late at night, targeting both security posts and civilian settlements.
Just three weeks ago, a Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officer was killed in a similar assault in the same general area. According to a witness, the bandits struck suddenly and began shooting in all directions. “Everyone ran for safety. The Customs officer was killed on the spot,” the resident recounted. After killing the officer, the attackers reportedly set the security camp ablaze, destroying property and leaving behind burnt debris.
This earlier incident raised alarms among community leaders and security observers, who warned that the area was becoming a hotspot for criminal activity. The latest killing of the three Immigration officers has deepened those fears.
Reports of bandits burning official vehicles and attacking security checkpoints have become more frequent in Bagudo Local Government Area. Over the past year, several attacks along the Maje axis have forced some residents to relocate temporarily while others avoid travelling at night.
The Lakurawa gang is one of several armed groups operating in northwestern Nigeria. They have been linked to numerous violent incidents in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. Their activities include armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and attacks on security personnel. Over the past two years, they have increased their operations in Kebbi State, especially around Bagudo, Suru, and Argungu areas.
Though security agencies have recorded successes against criminal groups in the region, the Lakurawa gang remains active and continues to threaten border communities. Residents say the group often moves in large numbers and carries sophisticated weapons, making it difficult for local security posts to resist their attacks.
Following the latest killings, community leaders and residents are calling on the federal and state governments to deploy more security personnel to the region. Many believe that security checkpoints are understaffed and lack the necessary equipment to repel attacks.
A resident of Bakin Ruwa, who spoke anonymously, said people now live in constant fear. “We cannot sleep well at night. Anytime we hear motorcycles or strange sounds, we panic. These bandits come without warning, and they kill anyone they meet,” he said.
Some residents also appealed for improved collaboration between Nigerian and Beninese authorities since the attacks often involve criminals crossing the border with ease.
The Kebbi State Government has repeatedly expressed concern over insecurity in border areas and promised to work with security agencies to strengthen surveillance. However, security experts say the government must invest more in intelligence gathering, community policing, and the use of modern surveillance technology.
Officials have also urged residents to share information that may help security agencies apprehend criminals. But many community members fear being identified by bandits, who are known to punish anyone suspected of cooperating with authorities.
The killing of three Immigration officers is another reminder of the growing security challenges facing Nigeria’s border regions. Security posts, customs officers, immigration workers, and even local vigilantes are increasingly becoming targets of criminal groups seeking to weaken law enforcement presence.
