Gunmen suspected to be members of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group have attacked 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 brutal assault, which took place around midnight on Wednesday, has triggered renewed fear among residents of the border communities.
According to multiple local sources, the attackers stormed the checkpoint without warning and opened fire on officers on duty, killing three instantly. A security source — who was not authorised to speak publicly — confirmed the incident, saying the gunmen escaped through nearby bushes before reinforcements could arrive.
The region has witnessed a spike in violent attacks in recent months. Just last month, a Nigeria Customs Service personnel was killed and several official vehicles were burnt in a similar raid along the Maje border axis. Residents and security officials have repeatedly raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation along the Nigeria–Benin corridor in Bagudo.
The Lakurawa gang has long been linked to deadly operations across parts of Kebbi State, targeting both civilians and security operatives. While the motive for this latest attack remains unclear, authorities say investigations have already begun.
When contacted, spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the attack but stated that details were still emerging. Efforts to reach the Nigeria Immigration Service in the state were unsuccessful, as officials were not available at the time of filing this report.
However, several locals and security personnel in Bagudo, who spoke anonymously, corroborated the incident and described the attack as “deeply alarming.”