In a devastating midnight assault that has heightened security concerns across northwestern Nigeria, gunmen believed to be members of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service checkpoint in Kebbi State, leaving three officers dead.
Deadly Midnight Assault on Border Checkpoint
The violent incident occurred around midnight on November 26, 2025, at the NIS checkpoint in Bakin Ruwa, located along the Maje border in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the immigration point unexpectedly and opened fire on officers performing their duties.
Local residents who spoke anonymously revealed that the terrorists came in large numbers and began shooting sporadically, forcing everyone in the vicinity to run for safety. The assailants reportedly fled through nearby bushes immediately after carrying out the deadly shooting.
Security Response and Community Impact
Nafiu Abubakar, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, confirmed the attack but noted that details remained sketchy at the time of initial reporting. Efforts to obtain official statements from the Nigeria Immigration Service in the state proved unsuccessful as officials could not be reached for comment.
The attack has generated significant fear and tension among residents of border communities in the area. Many expressed concern over the escalating insecurity along the Nigeria-Benin border corridor in Bagudo, particularly given the history of violent incidents in the region.
Pattern of Violence in Border Region
This latest assault follows a similar attack that occurred approximately three weeks earlier in the same Maje border axis. In that previous incident, personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service were targeted, resulting in one officer being shot dead before the attackers set the camp ablaze.
During the earlier attack, several official vehicles were also burnt, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the border region. The Lakurawa gang has been linked to numerous violent incidents across Kebbi State, targeting both security personnel and civilians with increasing frequency.
While the specific motive behind this latest assault remains unclear, security authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent future attacks. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures along Nigeria's border communities to protect both citizens and security personnel serving in vulnerable areas.
